Dhaka needs waiver to purchase Russian oil, he says

Foreign minister Khalilur Rahman on Sunday said Bangladesh has no secret agreement with the United States, adding that whatever agreements exist have already been made public.

‘There is no secret agreement with the United States; whatever agreements exist have already been made public,’ he told reporters at secretariat.

The minister and prime minister’s adviser for foreign affairs Humaiun Kobir were present when US ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen paid a courtesy call on prime minister Tarique Rahman at secretariat.

Khalilur claimed that Bangladesh needs permission from the United States to import oil under any such agreement is ‘completely false’.

He explained that sanctions on Russian oil apply globally, and any required approvals stem from those sanctions not from any trade agreement between Bangladesh and the US.

The foreign minister also said there are no binding obligations regarding energy imports.

He noted that on Sunday’s discussions covered broader bilateral relations, particularly cooperation in energy, trade, and development.

On energy cooperation, the minister said while some aspects could not be disclosed due to confidentiality, he said the United States assured support to help ensure Bangladesh’s energy security.

Responding to a question about whether the US could assist Bangladesh in tackling the current energy situation, he said the government is exploring multiple sources for energy imports and will procure oil from the most cost-effective options.

India, the Middle East, and the United States remain open alternatives, he added.

He said that the government’s priority is to maintain a stable energy supply and ensure national energy security by sourcing fuel from the most competitive and affordable options in the global market.

Regarding the prime minister’s potential foreign visits, the minister said the matter is still at a preliminary stage, with no specific destination finalised.

During the call on with the prime minister, the US ambassador handed over two photographs and a replica of the White House to the prime minister.

One photograph features former president Ziaur Rahman and former US president Jimmy Carter, while the other shows former prime minister Khaleda Zia and former US president George Bush Sr.