Bangladesh seeks temporary US waiver to buy Russian oil: Khasru
"They have said the matter will be sent to Washington. Now we will see what happens."
Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said Bangladesh has sought a temporary waiver from the United States to purchase Russian oil, similar to the exemption granted to India, amid a global fuel crisis due to tensions in the Middle East.
"We told them [US] that if Bangladesh is given a similar opportunity, it would greatly support our economy. They have said the matter will be sent to Washington. Now we will see what happens," the minister told journalists after a meeting with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen at the planning minister's office in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar today (11 March).
Khasru said that the meeting mainly discussed the uncertainty in the international energy market, particularly regarding oil and gas supply.
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Issues related to increasing investment, trade, and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States were also discussed at the meeting.
The minister added that there were discussions on capacity building of various government institutions as well.
Responding to questions from journalists, he said that no specific decision was made in the meeting regarding a possible trade agreement with the United States.
He said, "A trade agreement is a matter between two countries. It is not possible for us to say anything specific right now. However, we are considering how the issue can be utilised in the best possible way for Bangladesh's interests."
In response to a question about the government's course of action if the current international conflict becomes prolonged, he said the government is preparing by considering different possible scenarios.
"Whether the war is short-term, medium-term, or prolonged we are planning by taking every situation into account. These issues were discussed in detail today," Khasru said.
