As Bangladesh’s prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, met with the country’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, today outside of the 5th United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries here at the Qatar National Convention Centre, Qatar pledged to support Bangladesh in meeting its rising energy needs (QNCC).
“. . . I want to help you (Sheikh Hasina). Qatar will always come to help Bangladesh,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen quoted Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as telling the Bangladesh premier, while briefing reporters after the meeting.
According to Momen, the Prime Minister requested more energy during the discussion, specifically an additional million metric tons per year (MTA) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar to address the escalating energy crisis brought on by the conflict in Ukraine.
“We want your (Qatar) help. Bangladesh faces energy problems due to the Ukraine war. I want more . . . I will renew the contract. I want more LNG,” the premier was quoted as saying.
In response, the Emir of Qatar asked how much Bangladesh wants. Then he was told that Bangladesh wants another MTA that means 16-17 containers. The Emir said his energy minister would meet the Bangladesh Prime Minister to discuss it before she leaves Qatar.
“I’m ordering our energy minister today to meet you (Sheikh Hasina) before you leave here. . . I want to help you. Qatar will always come to help Bangladesh,” said the Emir.
Currently, Bangladesh is importing 40 containers worth of electricity, or 1.8 to 2.5 MTA.
After Sheikh Hasina extended an invitation to the Emir of Qatar to tour Bangladesh, Sheikh Tamim declared he would do so this year. He was quoted as saying, “I’m offering words that I will visit Bangladesh this year.
The prime minister claimed that Bangladesh is creating 100 economic zones and that various nations are investing there. She noted that Qatar can make investments in those economic zones.
Sheikh Hasina requested the Qatar Emir to look after the Bangladeshi employees there because some of them are currently being laid off.
