US wants a framework agreement with Bangladesh that includes their security concerns: Fouzul

Dhaka : The United States initially wants a framework agreement with Bangladesh, which includes various issues, including their security concerns, Power and Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan has said.

“There has been significant progress in the discussions between the US and Bangladesh regarding this matter over the past few days. After this, discussions will be held on tariff and non-tariff issues,” he said today (13 July) at a press conference organised by the committee formed to make business, trade, industry, ports, and revenue more dynamic at the Secretariat.

When asked about what sorts of security concerns the US has, the energy adviser said Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin can say it better when he returns.

The adviser said discussions will now be held on what non-tariff barriers exist and what needs to be done to remove them. “It is expected that the discussions will be completed before 1 August. The government is making all-out efforts to protect Bangladesh’s interests,” he added.

When asked whether there had been any specific discussions about LNG imports, Fouzul said there had been no specific discussions.

“LNG and other products are being imported from the US. Imports are happening from Excelerate Energy. Work is being done with Chevron,” he added.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan were present at the press conference held in the conference room of the Energy Division at the Secretariat.