By Akib Hossain Zabir The world is currently passing through a period of deep uncertainty. Rising military tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel, and the United States have pushed the global economy toward instability. The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz—through which nearly one-fourth of the world’s oil supply passes—has increased oil prices and raised serious concerns about supply disruptions. At a time when maritime imports are becoming riskier and shipping and insurance costs are increasing sharply, the India–Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline has emerged as a crucial safeguard for Bangladesh. The initiative for this project was taken during the tenure of Sheikh Hasina as head of government.
One of the key features of Sheikh Hasina’s governance philosophy was proactive preparation and the protection of national interests. In 2018, when she decided to construct the 130-kilometer cross-border pipeline connected to India’s Numaligarh Refinery, many may not have fully realized its long-term significance. However, in today’s global crisis, it has become clear how far-sighted that decision was. She understood that heavy reliance on maritime fuel imports from the Middle East could become vulnerable at any time due to geopolitical tensions. Today, Bangladesh is witnessing the practical benefits of that foresight.
To maintain the country’s fuel reserves and ensure uninterrupted supply, the current government has taken urgent steps. As part of these measures, around 5,000 metric tons of diesel are being supplied to Bangladesh through the pipeline from the Numaligarh Refinery in Assam, India. Muhammad Morshed Hossain Azad, General Manager of the Business and Operation Department of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, confirmed that pumping operations have already started and that the diesel will reach the country shortly.
Balanced diplomacy was one of the strengths of Sheikh Hasina’s leadership. India, one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, maintains strong strategic and commercial relationships with major global fuel suppliers, including Russia. By utilizing India’s economic strength and its ability to secure fuel at competitive prices, Sheikh Hasina successfully linked that advantage to Bangladesh’s energy security. Through the agreements made during her tenure, Bangladesh is now benefiting from India’s vast economic capacity through the pipeline despite global volatility. This was not merely a commercial agreement but a strategic decision aimed at ensuring the country’s energy and food security by skillfully navigating global power dynamics.
India has long been a trusted and reliable friend of the people of Bangladesh. From the Liberation War of 1971 to various national crises since then, India has stood beside Bangladesh. The pipeline project represents a modern symbol of that enduring friendship. Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, relations between the two countries reached new heights, the benefits of which are still being experienced today. As tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to pressure import-dependent countries, the current government led by Tarique Rahman has sought emergency energy cooperation from India through the infrastructure and agreements established during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. This demonstrates that the decisions taken at that time continue to serve as an important economic safeguard for the nation.
Moreover, the reduction in transportation risks and the savings in costs per barrel have eased significant pressure on Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves. While cargo ships face increasing risks due to conflict-like conditions at sea, the underground pipeline ensures a safe and uninterrupted supply of diesel. This supply helps keep irrigation pumps running for farmers and factories operating across 16 northern districts, thereby strengthening the country’s overall food security.
In conclusion, Sheikh Hasina demonstrated through timely strategic decisions how strong diplomacy and global economic partnerships can be transformed into real benefits for ordinary citizens. Her visionary initiatives continue to act as a strong protective shield for Bangladesh’s economy.
Akib Hossain Zabir, Student, Department of Law, World University of Bangladesh
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