Dhaka, Sep 16 (V7N) – Finance Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has said that Bangladesh is purchasing liquefied natural gas (LNG) based on international price comparisons, irrespective of the source country.

“The United States, China, Qatar, Saudi Arabia—no matter which country it is, the price is being compared and purchased,” Dr. Ahmed told reporters after a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Government Procurement and Economic Affairs at the Secretariat on Tuesday (Sept 16).

The meeting approved several procurement proposals, including the purchase of LNG, fertilizers, and power substations.

Responding to a question about whether Bangladesh will increase imports from the United States, the Finance Advisor said such decisions depend on strategies to reduce the trade deficit. “Importing from the US may slightly raise prices, but it will not affect consumers,” he said, adding that the business climate has improved as the government has started recovering significant amounts of previously evaded taxes.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmed confirmed that allegations of corruption in fertilizer imports will be probed. “The Ministry of Agriculture and Industries has been asked to look into the matter,” he stated.

END/SMA/AJ