India for oil pipeline with Bangladesh

Visiting Indian Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan has said his country is ready to build an oil pipeline with Bangladesh for boosting cooperation in energy sector.

He also described the sector as a key area of cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

He made the comments while calling on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence the Gono Bhaban yesterday.

Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

Hasina sought support and cooperation from all the neighbouring countries for her government's efforts to make Bangladesh a developed country.

She said her government puts emphasis on enhancing connectivity to further improve people's lifestyle. The Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) initiative could play an effective role in developing the countries in this region.

She said a process is also underway to put the Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor initiative in place.

Hasina expressed her happiness to learn that Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation and Indian Oil Corporation Limited are going to sign an MoU on setting up an LP Gas Plant in Chittagong.

She also thanked the government of India for its cooperation in supplying Diesel to Bangladesh from Nomaligarh Refinery in India.

She also sought more foreign investments for the special economic Zones in Bangladesh. 

Hasina termed poverty and hunger the common enemies of South Asia and said the countries of this region will have to fight poverty together.

The Indian state minister said the policy of the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “good will” and “trust” for cooperation with neighbours as India wants to build a new relationship with Bangladesh.

About diesel import from India by Bangladesh, he said such step would not be on commercial basis, but would be done on the spirit of friendship.

Dharmendra also underscored the importance of developing partnership with Bangladesh on petrochemical products.

Prime Minister's adviser Gowher Rizvi, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, Principal Secretary Abul Kalam Azad, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla and IOCL Chairman B Ashok were present.