Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, said on 5 November that he has invited U.S. companies to explore oil and gas fields in Bangladesh’s coastal areas and in the Bay of Bengal, with the aim of helping to address the country’s energy crisis.
The invitation is intended to attract foreign investment for the development of Bangladesh’s offshore and coastal hydrocarbon resources.
He extended the invitation while addressing the 30th U.S. Trade Show, organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham), at the InterContinental Hotel in the city, serving as chief guest, a Parliament Secretariat press release said.
The Speaker said the United States is Bangladesh's single largest export destination.
He said that economic relations between Bangladesh and the United States are highly positive, and that, alongside diplomatic ties, the important economic‑strategic relationship between the two nations has evolved over time.
Hafiz Uddin said the 30th U.S. Trade Show is a strong representation of the bilateral trade and commercial relations between Bangladesh and the United States.
AmCham's three decades of journey in Bangladesh had facilitated trade and investment in the country, he said.
The exhibition features innovative concepts across a range of sectors—health technology, power and energy, information and communications technology and the digital economy, banking and financial services, manufacturing, education and agribusiness, he added.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo addressed the programme as the special guest, while U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen spoke as the guest of honour.
AmCham President Syed Kamal Hossain delivered the welcome speech.
A three‑day exhibition designed to strengthen trade and commercial relations between Bangladesh and the United States is being held at the InterContinental Hotel from 5 to 7 November.
The programme was attended by United States representatives, officials from various embassies, the vice‑chairman and executive members of the American Chamber of Commerce, as well as invited guests and members of the press.
Why it matters
This invitation signals a concrete step toward expanding bilateral energy cooperation and attracting foreign exploration capital to Bangladesh's offshore resources, supporting the country's broader strategy for energy security and industrial diversification.