BD seeks Saudi support to ensure energy security
Published: 12 October 2026, 8:18:27
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Bangladesh has sought long-term cooperation from Saudi Arabia to ensure the country’s energy security, with discussions also covering floating LNG terminals and onshore and offshore gas exploration.
Saudi Arabia has assured Bangladesh of cooperation in these areas, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources on Monday morning.
The discussions took place on Sunday on the sidelines of the 17th International Energy Forum in Riyadh, where State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit is visiting.
Separate meetings were also held on potential LNG supplies from Qatar and investment in renewable energy with Saudi-based ACWA Power.
The state minister met Saudi Assistant Minister of Electricity Nasser Al-Qahtani, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and QatarEnergy CEO Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, and ACWA Power CEO Tamer S. Sehan.
During the meeting with the Saudi assistant minister, Bangladesh sought Riyadh’s support in strengthening its energy security. Saudi Arabia expressed optimism about expanding existing cooperation to support the development of Bangladesh’s energy sector.
The two sides also discussed establishing a framework for cooperation and maintaining communication between their representatives to identify areas of collaboration towards achieving Bangladesh’s energy-related targets for 2030.
Long-term energy cooperation, the installation of floating LNG terminals and onshore and offshore gas exploration were among the key issues discussed.
At the meeting with Qatar’s energy minister and QatarEnergy chief Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the discussions focused on Bangladesh’s growing demand for natural gas and its existing LNG import arrangements.
The possibility of securing LNG from QatarEnergy’s international supply network and diversifying import sources and transportation routes also received priority. Both sides stressed the need to continue commercial and technical discussions between the relevant organisations.
Bangladesh currently relies on both domestic natural gas and imported LNG. Securing long-term supplies and diversifying import sources are considered important for meeting the country’s gas demand and ensuring energy security.
During his meeting with ACWA Power CEO Tamer S. Sehan, Amit discussed investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector. The Saudi-based company expressed interest in investing in the country.
Attracting foreign investment to increase renewable energy generation is one of the government’s key objectives. However, the press release did not specify the potential investment amount, project types or implementation timeline for ACWA Power’s proposed investment.
Earlier, at the beginning of his meeting with the Saudi assistant minister, Amit expressed condolences over the deaths caused by a Houthi attack at Riyadh International Airport.
He also sought the Saudi government’s assistance in repatriating the bodies of two Bangladeshis killed in the incident and ensuring medical treatment for those injured.
