Eric Geelan, Political and Economic Counsellor at the Embassy of the United States of America in Dhaka, met with Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, the Minister of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Aug 4, 2026 (BSS) - Eric Geelan, Political and Economic Counsellor at the Embassy of the United States of America in Dhaka, today called on Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, where the two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

Geelan was accompanied by Joseph Boski, Economic Officer of the US Embassy.

During the meeting, the two sides held cordial and constructive discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. 

The discussions covered the scope of energy cooperation, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries, enhancing mutual business cooperation and other potential areas of mutual concern.

Both sides explored avenues to broaden and deepen energy sector cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States, including in the areas of LNG and LPG. 

These areas were discussed in detail to facilitate greater clarity for both parties. 

The possibility of formalising bilateral cooperation through an MoU was also discussed, with both sides expressing interest in identifying priority areas for collaboration.

The discussions also focused on ways to encourage greater participation of US businesses in Bangladesh's energy sector and to promote government-to-government (G2G) cooperation, particularly in the context of the Prime Minister's upcoming visit to the United States.

Both sides candidly discussed existing challenges to bilateral energy cooperation and exchanged views on practical measures and a potential roadmap to address these concerns for greater mutual benefit and to enhance Bangladesh's energy security.

The Energy Minister requested that further meetings with potential parties be arranged at the earliest convenience to discuss the issues in detail and advance the process.

The Minister reaffirmed the Government of Bangladesh's commitment to strengthening energy partnerships with the United States and welcomed continued engagement between the two countries on matters of mutual interest.

Geelan thanked the Minister for the productive discussion and expressed the US Embassy's continued interest in supporting the development of Bangladesh's energy sector.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources were also present at the meeting.