Brunei Envoy meets Opposition Leader: Energy crisis, trade and bilateral ties dominate talks

DHAKA, Sept 28: Brunei’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Haji Haris bin Haji Othman on Sunday held a courtesy meeting with Leader of the Opposition and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman at his official residence on Minto Road.

The meeting began at around 10:30am, according to sources close to the opposition leader’s office.

The Brunei envoy was accompanied by First Secretary of the Brunei High Commission Rozaimi Abdullah.

The meeting covered a range of issues, including Bangladesh’s current political situation, democracy and human rights, bilateral relations, trade and economic cooperation, the sources said.

The two sides also discussed Bangladesh’s ongoing energy challenges and the potential role of Brunei in addressing the country’s energy needs.

Brunei, a major oil and gas producer in Southeast Asia, has potential for greater cooperation with Bangladesh in the energy sector, particularly in liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as in trade and investment.

The meeting also focused on ways to expand bilateral trade and investment. Both sides expressed hope that existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Brunei would be strengthened further, according to the sources.

Following the meeting, Shafiqur Rahman showed the Brunei high commissioner graffiti related to the July Movement displayed at his residence.

Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami Mia Golam Parwar, Central Executive Council member Md Mobarak Hossain, and Ali Ahmad Mabrur, a member of the opposition leader’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee, were also present.

The meeting comes as foreign missions in Dhaka continue to engage with political stakeholders on issues concerning Bangladesh’s domestic affairs and bilateral relations.

Brunei and Bangladesh have maintained diplomatic relations since 1984, with bilateral cooperation covering areas including trade, investment, energy and labour.