Dhaka:The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has put forward five proposals, including a significant recommendation for the procurement of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from three distinct sources. Additional proposals include the acquisition of 6,200 tonnes of dates for the upcoming Ramadan and the installation of mobile network coverage at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presided over the 37th committee meeting today. Three of the proposals were presented by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, while the Commerce Ministry and the Posts and Telecommunications Division each submitted one proposal.
The LNG procurement involves direct purchases from JERA Global Markets Pte. Ltd. of Japan, ADNOC Trading Ltd. of the United Arab Emirates, and OJIMADU and MARITES OIL MARKETING NIGERIA LTD/UZZY GEMS BEEHIVE. The committee recommended these procurements in principle using the direct procurement method as stipulated by Section 68 of the Public Procurement Act, 2006, and Rule 99(2) of the Public Procurement Rules, 2025.
Furthermore, the proposal with JERAGM includes finalizing a Short-Term LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) and term sheet between Petrobangla and the company.
Another significant proposal involves the purchase of 6,200 metric tonnes of dates via an international open tender, intended for distribution by the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh during Ramadan 2027. This proposal seeks to expedite the tender process under Rule 102(1)(a) of the Public Procurement Rules, 2025, due to urgent national needs.
In addition, the committee has endorsed a proposal from the Posts and Telecommunications Division to employ the direct procurement method for establishing mobile network coverage at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, as part of the 'Installation of Mobile Network at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Third Terminal' project.