Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is coming to Bangladesh on a two-day visit today (April 22). It is the first high-level visit from a Middle Eastern country since the formation of the government in January. And after 2005, an Emir of Qatar is coming to visit Dhaka.
The Emir of Qatar’s visit will see the signing of 11 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between the two countries, including six agreements and five MoUs. In addition to prioritizing trade and investment in his visit, the situation in the Middle East will be discussed very seriously in the context of the recent conflict between Iran and Israel.
The Emir of Qatar will arrive in Dhaka on a special flight this afternoon or evening. President Md. Sahabuddin will welcome Amir as state guest at the airport and Amir will be given a guard of honor at the airport.
The Emir of Qatar will hold a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the morning of the second day of the visit. After the meeting of the two top leaders, 11 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU) will be signed between the two countries.
In a press conference on Sunday (April 21) on the occasion of the visit of the Emir of Qatar, Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud said, 6 out of 11 agreements and 5 memorandums of understanding. The agreements are – Agreements on Avoidance of Duplication, Cooperation in Legal Matters, Transport of Goods by Sea, Promotion and Protection of Investments, Extradition of Criminals and Establishment of Joint Business Council. The MoUs include – MoUs on Manpower, Port Management, Higher Education and Scientific Research, Youth and Sports Cooperation and Diplomatic Training Cooperation.
Stating that Amir’s visit is significant, Hasan Mahmud said that Qatar is one of the labor markets of Bangladesh in the Middle East, there are about four lakh Bangladeshis working there. In addition, Qatar has a large amount of sovereign wealth funds. The fund can be a potential source of investment for Bangladesh. At the same time, Qatar is one of the most important sources of energy imports for Bangladesh.
Regarding the discussion on the Middle East issue during the Amir’s visit, the foreign minister said that Bangladesh’s position in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and crimes against humanity in Gaza is in favor of the Palestinians. Qatar is playing the role of mediator in this matter. Playing an important role in trying to mediate between Hamas and Israel. Naturally, this issue may come up for discussion during the visit of the Emir of Qatar to Bangladesh.
The Emir of Qatar will attend a courtesy call and state lunch with the President at the Banga Bhavan on Tuesday (April 23) afternoon. Amir will leave Dhaka by special flight this evening.
Road named after Amir in Dhaka
A road in Dhaka will be named after the Emir of Qatar. In this regard, the foreign minister said in a press conference on Sunday that the park to be built in Balur field in Mirpur’s Kalshi area and the road from Mirpur ECB square to Kalshi flyover will be named after the Emir of Qatar.
NI/SSH
