Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has clarified that Bangladesh’s import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is based on international market comparisons, and no special preference is given to any company, including that of former US Ambassador Peter Haas.
“It is not as simple as assigning work to a US company. We do not even know exactly which company Peter Haas is associated with,” Salehuddin Ahmed told reporters on Tuesday after a meeting of the Government Procurement Advisory Council Committee at the Secretariat.
The adviser was responding to questions about whether Peter Haas’ company is being given priority in Bangladesh’s LNG imports.
Peter D Haas joined US multinational Accelerate Energy as a strategic adviser in late September last year. Prior to that, he served as the 17th US Ambassador to Bangladesh from March 2022 to April 2024.
Accelerate Energy, based in Woodland, Texas, is one of the world’s largest LNG suppliers. The company also works on LNG conversion, floating terminals, and infrastructure development.
Bangladesh imports LNG from 23 different companies worldwide, including Accelerate Energy.
Addressing questions about employment challenges, Salehuddin Ahmed said, “Most employment is generated in the private sector. If business slows down even a little, it affects employment. The business had slowed somewhat, but now the situation has improved.”
When asked whether the US-imposed retaliatory tariff, currently at 20%, would be reduced further, he said, “That depends on the Ministry of Commerce. They are evaluating what imports can reduce the deficit. Overall, we are in a relatively good position.”
Regarding allegations of corruption in fertiliser imports, the Adviser said, “We are reviewing the matter. We will not take hasty action. Most fertiliser imports are handled by the Agriculture and Industry ministries. It is their responsibility. We will examine the issue further.”
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