Bangladesh nod for India-Myanmar gas pipeline

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina government has given its approval for the construction of the 900km gas pipeline linking India and Myanmar, running through its territory.

The India, Bangladesh and Myanmar tri-nation gas pipeline, which is expected to carry Myanmar gas to India's north eastern region, has been entangled in bureaucratic controversies for several years.

Bangladesh's change in stance follows the ouster of the Begum Khaleda Zia regime, which was replaced by India-friendly Hasina government in the January 2009 general election.

According to media reports, the Bangladesh government communicated its willingness to allow passage of the pipe line through it territory during India's power secretary H S Brahma's visit to Bangladesh last week

Sheikh Hasina had visited India in January after taking charge as the new prime minister.

''The energy adviser to the prime minister of Bangladesh, Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, communicated its (Bangladesh's) willingness to be part of the pipeline project,'' Brahma told the Mint daily.