Bangladesh has formally sought special permission, or a temporary waiver, from the United States to import crude oil from Russia, following India’s lead, which has already been granted such authorisation. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury confirmed the development after meeting U.S. Ambassador Brent T. Christensen on Wednesday (11 March) at the ministry’s office in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.
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Ministerial Statement and Rationale
Addressing the press, Minister Chowdhury said:
“The United States has already provided India with a temporary waiver for importing Russian oil. Bangladesh has requested the same facility. If approved, this would offer substantial support to our economy.”
He added that the formal request has been transmitted to Washington for consideration, and the government is awaiting a response. Should the waiver be granted, Bangladesh would be able to secure crucial energy supplies without breaching U.S. sanctions on Russia, reducing the risk of economic strain from volatile international oil markets.
Global Energy Market Concerns
The minister highlighted the current uncertainty in global oil and gas supply, which has heightened concerns about energy security for Bangladesh.
“The global energy market is experiencing significant instability, and securing reliable energy sources is vital for Bangladesh’s economic and energy resilience,” Chowdhury stated.
The discussions also explored ways to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States. Additionally, officials talked about initiatives to enhance the capacity and efficiency of government institutions, reinforcing the country’s broader development and governance strategies.
Strategic Implications
A U.S. waiver would be a key step for Bangladesh to ensure energy security amid rising oil prices and global geopolitical tensions. Accessing Russian crude at competitive terms could stabilise domestic fuel costs, support industrial growth, and protect economic stability.
| Country | U.S. Waiver Status | Purpose | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Granted | Import Russian oil | Strengthened energy security, lower import costs |
| Bangladesh | Requested | Import Russian oil | Expected to stabilise economy, safeguard energy supply |
Outlook
Minister Chowdhury underlined that, beyond energy matters, the meeting aimed to enhance broader bilateral relations, including trade, investment, and institutional capacity building.
“We have requested the same opportunity that India received. The matter will now be reviewed in Washington, and we hope for a positive outcome that will greatly benefit Bangladesh’s economy,” he said.
As global energy markets remain volatile amid geopolitical uncertainty, Bangladesh’s request reflects a strategic approach to securing energy supplies and reinforcing economic resilience, while deepening diplomatic and commercial ties with the United States.