Bangladesh has renewed its interest in importing natural gas from Myanmar through a cross-border pipeline as it looks to diversify energy sources and address growing domestic demand.

The proposal was raised by Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Iqbal Hassan Mahmood during a meeting with Myanmar Ambassador U Kyaw Soe Moe at the Secretariat on Saturday.

Mahmood said expanding energy cooperation with neighbouring countries is a key priority under the government’s “Neighbours First” policy.

The Myanmar ambassador welcomed the proposal and suggested that the two countries also explore liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports in addition to a pipeline project. Mahmood said Bangladesh was open to both options.

The talks revived a long-discussed plan to construct a gas pipeline linking Myanmar with Chattogram to supply fuel to industrial hubs in southeastern Bangladesh.

To advance the initiative, Mahmood proposed ministerial-level negotiations and said he would invite Myanmar’s energy minister to Dhaka. He also said he was prepared to visit Myanmar if required.

The adviser highlighted broader regional connectivity plans, including the proposed China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor, saying a cross-border gas pipeline could complement regional infrastructure and deepen bilateral trade and energy ties.

The Myanmar envoy proposed convening a meeting of the Bangladesh-Myanmar Joint Technical Committee to evaluate the project’s feasibility.

State Minister Aninda Islam Amit, Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam and other senior officials attended the meeting.

Bangladesh has been exploring new sources of natural gas to ease persistent supply shortages. The latest proposal comes days after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his country’s willingness to explore LNG exports to Bangladesh during a phone conversation with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.