Qatar-Bangladesh Relations: A New Era of Cooperation and Partnership
The diplomatic relations between the State of Qatar and the People's Republic of Bangladesh have been a cornerstone of mutual respect, shared values, and common cultural and religious grounds since their inception in the 1970s. This article delves into the historical background, key statistics, expert opinions, and the significant developments that have marked the recent visit of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Bangladesh, highlighting the broad horizons of fruitful cooperation and partnerships between the two nations.
Background Information
Diplomatic Relations
Diplomatic relations between Qatar and Bangladesh were established on January 25, 1978, following Bangladesh's membership in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 1974[1][3]. Bangladesh opened its embassy in Doha on December 29, 1981, while Qatar opened its embassy in Dhaka on January 15, 1980. These steps marked the beginning of a strong and enduring bilateral relationship[1][4].
Historical Visits
The last high-level visit from Qatar to Bangladesh was by Emir Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani in April 2005. The recent visit by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, nearly 19 years later, signifies a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries[1][4].
Key Statistics and Data
Manpower Export
Since 1976, Bangladesh has exported a total of 970,981 workers to Qatar. In the January-November period of 2024, 68,530 workers were sent to Qatar, accounting for 7.56% of the total manpower export. This manpower export has been a crucial component of the bilateral relationship, contributing significantly to the economies of both countries[2].
Remittances
In 2023, expatriate Bangladeshis in Qatar sent home $1.280 billion, which accounts for 6% of the total remittances to Bangladesh. These remittances play a vital role in Bangladesh's economy, supporting the livelihoods of many families[2].
Trade
Bangladesh’s export to Qatar stood at $11 million during the July-June period of the 2023-24 fiscal year. Conversely, Qatar exported goods, primarily energy, worth $2.366 billion to Bangladesh in the 2022-23 fiscal year and $2.080 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year. This trade imbalance highlights Qatar's significant role in meeting Bangladesh's energy demands[2].
Current Engagement
As of 2024, Qatar employs approximately 350,000 Bangladeshi workers in various sectors, making it one of the largest employers of Bangladeshi manpower abroad. This extensive employment has fostered strong economic ties between the two nations[2].
Expert Opinions and Quotes
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud
"With this visit, the relations between Bangladesh and Qatar will reach a new height. This is the first-ever high-level visit from the Middle East after the formation of the new government this year," said Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, highlighting the significance of the visit in strengthening bilateral ties[1][3].
Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar, Md Nazrul Islam
"We expect the coming period to witness the revitalization of tourism, cultural exchanges, and increased cooperation in trade and investment," emphasized Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar, Md Nazrul Islam, underscoring the importance of multilateral engagement with Qatar[2].
Related Developments
Cooperation Documents
During the visit, 11 cooperation documents were signed, including six agreements and five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). These documents cover a wide range of areas such as avoidance of double taxation, tax evasion, legal affairs cooperation, mutual investment promotion and protection, maritime transport services, and the formation of a joint business council. The MoUs focus on workforce sector cooperation, port management, higher education and research, youth and sports cooperation, and diplomatic training[1][3][4].
High-Level Meetings
Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani had a one-to-one meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, followed by a bilateral meeting. He also attended an official lunch hosted by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the Bangabhaban. These high-level interactions reflect the commitment of both countries to deepen their bilateral relations[1][4].
Infrastructure Naming
As a gesture of goodwill and to commemorate the visit, a road and a park in Dhaka were named after the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. This symbolic act underscores the strong bond between the two nations[1].
Industry Impact
Energy Sector
Qatar's significant energy exports to Bangladesh are crucial for meeting Bangladesh's energy demands. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had previously sought increased energy, particularly LNG, from Qatar during her meeting with the Emir on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in Doha. This cooperation in the energy sector is vital for Bangladesh's economic growth and development[1][2].
Trade and Investment
The agreements and MoUs signed during the visit are expected to boost trade and investment between the two countries. The promotion of mutual investment and the formation of a joint business council will facilitate greater economic cooperation, attracting more investments and enhancing trade volumes[1][3].
Manpower and Remittances
The visit is expected to increase engagement with Bangladeshi workers in Qatar, which will have a positive impact on remittances sent back to Bangladesh. This increased engagement will not only benefit the workers but also contribute significantly to Bangladesh's economy through higher remittances[2].
Future Implications
Strengthened Bilateral Relations
The visit marks a new phase in the bilateral partnership between Bangladesh and Qatar, with expectations of further strengthening their relations based on mutual respect, shared values, and common religious and cultural grounds. This strengthened relationship is likely to pave the way for more comprehensive cooperation in various fields[1][3][5].
Increased Cooperation
Future cooperation is anticipated in various fields such as tourism, cultural exchanges, higher education, and youth and sports development. This is part of the broader strategy to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Increased cooperation in these areas will enrich the bilateral relationship and foster greater people-to-people ties[2][3].
Geopolitical Significance
The visit occurs amidst changing global geopolitical shifts and the Middle East crisis, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships between Qatar and Asian countries like Bangladesh. This strategic partnership can provide stability and security in a rapidly changing global landscape[4].
Additional Context
Regional and International Issues
Discussions during the visit also covered global issues, including the Palestine-Israel conflict. Bangladesh emphasized its position on the need to stop killings in Gaza and the importance of peace over war. This underscores the commitment of both countries to international peace and security[1][4].
Celebration of 50 Years of Diplomatic Ties
The visit is part of the celebrations marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Qatar. This milestone is expected to revitalize various aspects of their bilateral engagement, fostering a new era of cooperation and partnership between the two nations[2].
Conclusion
The recent visit of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Bangladesh marks a significant turning point in the bilateral relations between Qatar and Bangladesh. With a rich history of cooperation, the signing of key cooperation documents, and the commitment to strengthen ties in various fields, the future looks promising for both nations.
As Bangladesh and Qatar celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, they are poised to embark on a new journey of mutual growth and development. The emphasis on energy cooperation, trade and investment, manpower export, and cultural exchanges will not only enhance economic ties but also foster deeper people-to-people connections.
In a world marked by geopolitical uncertainties, the strategic partnership between Qatar and Bangladesh stands as a beacon of stability and cooperation. As both countries move forward, their relationship is likely to serve as a model for other nations seeking to build strong and enduring bilateral ties based on mutual respect and shared values.