Dhaka: Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman today stated that Bangladesh has no secret agreement with the United States, emphasizing that all existing agreements have been made public. “There is no secret agreement with the United States; whatever agreements exist have already been made public,” he informed reporters at the secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the foreign minister was accompanied by Prime Minister’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir during a courtesy call by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the secretariat. Dr. Rahman refuted claims that Bangladesh needs US permission to import oil, asserting that such claims are “completely false.”
He clarified that global sanctions on Russian oil necessitate any required approvals, rather than any trade agreement between Bangladesh and the US. The foreign minister also mentioned that there are no binding obligations concerning energy imports.
Discussions during the meeting focused on broader bilateral relations, especially cooperation in energy, trade, and development. On energy cooperation, the minister acknowledged that some details could not be disclosed due to confidentiality, but he assured that the United States had pledged support to bolster Bangladesh’s energy security.
In response to inquiries about potential US assistance in addressing Bangladesh’s current energy situation, he stated that the government is considering multiple energy import sources and will acquire oil from the most cost-effective suppliers. He identified India, the Middle East, and the United States as viable alternatives.
The government’s top priority, he emphasized, 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 indicated that discussions are still in the preliminary stages, with no specific destinations finalized yet.
During the meeting, the US ambassador presented the Prime Minister with two photographs and a replica of the White House. One photograph features Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former US President Jimmy Carter, while the other depicts former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and former US President George Bush Sr.