Bangladesh has proposed importing natural gas from Myanmar through a cross-border pipeline as part of its efforts to strengthen energy security and meet the country's growing demand for fuel.

The proposal was discussed on Sunday, Aug 2, during a meeting between Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe and Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud at the Secretariat in Dhaka.

Energy cooperation between the two neighbouring countries featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides expressing interest in expanding bilateral engagement in the sector.

During the meeting, the minister said Bangladesh continues to face a substantial demand for natural gas driven by industrial growth, power generation and household consumption. He noted that the government is exploring various options to secure reliable energy supplies, including the possibility of importing gas directly from Myanmar through a pipeline.

The Myanmar ambassador responded positively to the proposal and also raised the prospect of supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Bangladesh. Both sides agreed on the importance of exploring new avenues of cooperation to strengthen regional energy security.

The discussion also revisited an earlier proposal to establish a gas pipeline connecting Myanmar and Chattogram. The two sides expressed interest in reassessing the initiative through technical reviews and feasibility studies.

To advance bilateral energy cooperation, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud proposed a meeting between the relevant ministers of the two countries. He said Bangladesh would formally invite Myanmar's energy minister to visit Dhaka and also expressed his willingness to visit Myanmar for further discussions.

The minister also referred to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China, saying the proposed China-Myanmar-Bangladesh corridor could benefit significantly from enhanced energy connectivity. A pipeline link between the two countries, he said, could support broader regional economic integration and trade.

In addition to energy issues, the meeting covered opportunities for expanding long-term trade relations and identifying new sectors for cooperation between Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Kyaw Soe Moe suggested that the issue could be examined through the Bangladesh-Myanmar Joint Technical Committee, allowing both countries to evaluate technical, commercial and operational aspects before moving forward.

Officials at the meeting expressed optimism that closer energy cooperation could open new opportunities for bilateral relations while contributing to Bangladesh's long-term energy security goals.