Türkiye offers cheaper energy route as Bangladesh battles idle plants

Türkiye has offered to explore cheaper and more efficient energy solutions for Bangladesh as Dhaka seeks to improve energy security and bring idle power-generation facilities back into operation.

Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen conveyed Ankara’s interest in supporting Bangladesh’s energy security sustainably and efficiently during a meeting with Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood at his office on Thursday. 

The two sides discussed possible cooperation in securing cheaper FSRU services, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and heavy fuel oil (HFO), with both sides stressing the need for cost-effective energy supplies to ease pressure on Bangladesh’s power sector.

The Turkish proposal comes as Bangladesh faces the challenge of operating power plants that remain underutilised or idle amid constraints over fuel availability and costs.

The minister welcomed the Turkish initiative and agreed to hold further discussions to examine the proposal in greater detail and identify areas where bilateral cooperation could deliver affordable and reliable energy.

During the meeting, Mahmood stressed the importance of securing affordable and sustainable energy solutions that could help restart idle power-generation facilities and strengthen the country’s overall energy security.

The discussions also covered broader prospects for expanding Bangladesh-Türkiye cooperation in the power and energy sector and strengthening bilateral economic ties.

The Turkish ambassador expressed his country’s interest in deepening engagement with Bangladesh across sectors of mutual interest, particularly energy, and exploring practical opportunities for cooperation.

The minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to expanding regional energy cooperation and welcomed continued dialogue with Türkiye to identify mutually beneficial opportunities.

The Turkish delegation included Bilal Belyurt, Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Türkiye in Dhaka, and Karpowership officials Jad El Sebaaly, Asli Kilic and Emma Wahlberg.

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

The discussions signal a potential new avenue for Bangladesh to diversify its energy partnerships and seek more competitive fuel and power solutions at a time when the cost and availability of energy remain critical to keeping industrial production and power generation running.