So, Is This the Real Reason Behind Former Ambassador Peter Haas’s Frequent Visits to Bangladesh?

The name Peter D. Haas has remained a topic of discussion in Bangladesh. The former United States Ambassador to Bangladesh officially ended his tenure and returned to the US on 23 July 2024. Yet, even after stepping down, Haas has maintained continuous engagement with Bangladesh, holding regular meetings — sometimes with political leaders, particularly those from the NCP, and at other times with government officials. Many in Bangladesh, however, viewed his ongoing involvement with scepticism.

The real reason behind his persistent engagement has now come to light. Following his diplomatic role, Haas joined the American energy company Excelerate Energy as a Strategic Advisor. Since his appointment, the company’s business footprint in Bangladesh has been steadily expanding. Under a long-term deal signed with the government, Excelerate Energy is set to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) worth nearly 1 trillion taka to Bangladesh over the next 15 years, helping reduce the trade deficit with the United States.

Earlier this month, Haas visited Bangladesh again.

• He first toured Excelerate Energy’s floating LNG terminal (FSRU) in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar.
• On 3 September, he met with Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, where discussions centred on expanding LNG supplies to Bangladesh.

According to the agreement, Excelerate Energy will supply LNG worth USD 8.5 billion (equivalent to Tk 1,04,550 crore, at USD 1 = Tk 123).

Additional points:

• Excelerate Energy has already delivered 16 cargoes worth USD 637 million under spot purchase arrangements.
• Future plans include annual spot cargo supplies exceeding USD 200 million through open bidding.
• The government is also considering importing diesel and other energy products from the United States to further balance trade.

Official Statements

• Engineer Md Shah Alam, General Manager (LNG Division) of Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Limited (RPGCL), confirmed:

“The government is emphasising LNG imports to address the country’s gas shortage. This long-term agreement with the American company is part of that plan.”

• A senior Foreign Ministry official revealed that during counter-tariff discussions in July, Bangladesh agreed with the US to import more American goods, with LNG imports playing a central role. Peter Haas, now representing Excelerate Energy, discussed these issues directly with Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam.
• A policy paper from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, forwarded to the Finance Ministry, also highlighted LNG imports from US firms like Excelerate as a means to correct trade imbalances.

The LNG deal was signed during the Awami League government under special provisions on 23 November 2023. Although the current interim government has since cancelled several energy sector agreements made under such provisions, this contract has remained in force due to binding legal obligations following its finalisation.

Supply Commitments at a Glance