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Bangladesh signs landmark LNG deal under President Trump’s energy policy initiative

Bangladesh signs landmark LNG deal under President Trump’s energy policy initiative

Jan 25, 2025

The Government of  Bangladesh has signed a transformative Heads of Agreement (HOA) with  Louisiana-based Argent LLC for the purchase of up to 5 million metric  tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually.


US President Donald Trump’s “Drill, Baby, Drill” energy mandate, promoting the exploration  and export of US energy resources, provided the foundation for this  historic agreement. The deal was signed by Ashik Chowdhury, Executive  Chairman of BIDA, and Jonathan Bass, Chairman and CEO of Argent LNG, in a ceremony at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C on Friday.


“Petrobangla has been seeking long-term solutions to the rising demand for energy in Bangladesh. This agreement not only ensures a reliable energy supply  for Bangladesh’s expanding industrial base but also strengthens our  strategic partnership with the United States. By embracing the  principles of ‘America First’ and ‘Bangladesh First,’ this collaboration highlights a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial approach that  harnesses the strengths of both nations to drive economic growth,  regional stability, and shared prosperity for our people,” said Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of BIDA.


“Argent LNG is pleased to announce the signing of a Heads of Agreement (HOA)  with Bangladesh, marking a significant step in strengthening energy  partnerships. This agreement paves the way for the United States to  supply reliable baseload energy to Bangladesh, enabling the country to  expand its ability to grow. This partnership underscores our shared  commitment to fostering bilateral and equitable trade, supporting supply chain securitization, and deepening ties between our two nations,” said Jonathan Bass, Chairman and CEO of Argent LNG.


The signing also featured Chett Chiasson, Executive Director of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission (GLPC), which oversees Port Fourchon, a major energy hub in Louisiana.


“This partnership is a testament to Louisiana’s rich history as an energy powerhouse and its growing role  in LNG exports as a critical driver of global energy security. It’s  another win for American energy policy, bringing high-paying jobs to  Louisiana while bolstering the United States' leadership in the global  energy market,” said Chiasson.

The agreement underscores  growing energy collaboration between the two nations, reflecting  Bangladesh’s role as a rising economic force in South and Southeast Asia and the U.S.’s position as a reliable supplier of clean energy. It is  also expected to contribute to global energy transition efforts,  reducing reliance on higher-carbon fuels while fostering economic  growth.
This landmark initiative reaffirms BIDA’s commitment to  fostering impactful international partnerships that driv industrial  growth and economic prosperity.

About Argent LLC
Argent LLC is a Louisiana-based energy company at the forefront of LNG  production and exports, leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver  clean, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions to global markets.
www.argentlng.com

Name

Role

Mr. Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman, BIDA and BEZA

Convener

Chairman, National Board of Revenue

Member

Secretary, ICT Division

Member

Mr. Mohammed Enayetur Rahman, CEO, Ulka Semi

Member

Mr. Istak Ahmmed, Chairman, Prime Silicon Technology (BD) Ltd

Member

Mr. M.A. Jabbar, Managing Director, Neural Semiconductor Ltd

Member

Prof. Dr. A. B. M. Harun-ur-Rashid, Head of Department, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, BUET

Member

Maj Gen. Md. Nasim Parvez, Commandant, Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST)

Member

Prof. Syed Mahfuzul Aziz, Pro-VC, BRAC University

Member

Mr. Mashuk Rahman, Founder, Green Quest, USA

Member

Mr. Mustafiz Choudhury, Semiconductor Expert, Silicon Valley

Member

Mr. Zahirul Alam, Executive Director, Integrated Development Foundation (IDF)

Member

Mr. Nahian Rahman Rochi, Head of Business Development, BIDA

Member Secretary