Ex-US Envoy Peter Haas Visits Cox’s Bazar for LNG Project

Former United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter D. Haas arrived in Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday morning as part of a visit linked to the US-based liquefied natural gas (LNG) company Excelerate Energy, where he now serves as a strategic advisor.

Haas, who completed his tenure as the 17th US envoy in Dhaka earlier this year, landed at Cox’s Bazar Airport around 9:30 AM on a domestic flight. He was accompanied by two associates, KM Atikul Islam and Mohammad Habibur Rahman Bhuiyan, whose institutional affiliations could not be immediately confirmed.

Soon after arrival, the delegation travelled by speedboat from Nuniachhara BIWTA ghat to Maheshkhali, a strategic island earmarked for major energy and infrastructure development. Their first stop was the Excelerate Hope Hospital in Kutubjom Union, a joint initiative of Excelerate Energy and Hope Foundation.

At the hospital, Haas was received by Hope Foundation’s Bangladesh Country Director and other senior officials. He inspected medical facilities, spoke with staff about ongoing healthcare services for the local community, and later joined a tree plantation programme on the hospital premises.

The delegation’s visit to Maheshkhali drew attention as the island is central to Bangladesh’s LNG infrastructure and deep-sea port development plans. Excelerate Energy, a pioneer in floating LNG terminals, has been working closely with Bangladesh for over a decade to ensure energy security and diversify supply sources.

Following the hospital programme, Haas and his team moved on to Boro Maheshkhali for further engagements. While details of those meetings remained undisclosed, officials hinted that discussions might involve community development, health services, and Excelerate’s future investment plans in the region.

Haas’s return to Cox’s Bazar comes months after his diplomatic tenure ended in April, marking his first public appearance in Bangladesh in a corporate advisory role. His continued involvement in Bangladesh’s energy landscape underscores Washington’s private sector interest in supporting Dhaka’s long-term energy needs.

The delegation was scheduled to return to Dhaka later in the evening after completing their day-long engagements in Maheshkhali.