BD, Aus discuss LNG supply

Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today to discuss the possibility of supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Australia to Bangladesh to meet the country’s growing energy demand.

The two officials also explored potential cooperation in agriculture, climate change, and the expansion of bilateral trade and investment.

The meeting is part of the visit by an Australian Parliamentary delegation led by Milton Dick.

During the visit, the delegation is scheduled to meet the Speaker of Jatiya Sangsad, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, tour the Parliament building, and visit the July Revolution Memorial Museum. They are also expected to observe parliamentary proceedings.

State Minister Shama Obaed Islam emphasised cooperation in skill development and women empowerment, expressing hope that the visit would strengthen Bangladesh-Australia bilateral relations under the new government.

Bangladesh and Australia share a long-standing diplomatic relationship that stretches back more than 50 years. Australia was among the first developed countries to recognise Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, and both nations have maintained warm ties since then.

Over the decades, cooperation has
expanded across trade, development assistance, and diplomatic engagements, with regular high-level visits and dialogues under frameworks such as the Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) to strengthen economic ties.

Bilateral trade has grown significantly in recent years, and Australia has been an active development partner, supporting areas including education, climate resilience and skills development.

These ties provide a foundation for discussions on new areas of collaboration, including energy supply and other strategic sectors.