Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is coming to Dhaka on Monday on a two-day visit. This is the first high-level visit from a Middle Eastern country since the formation of the government last January. During Amir’s visit to Dhaka, 11 documents are likely to be signed, said Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud. In a press conference organized on the occasion of the visit, he said that out of 11 documents, 6 are agreements and 5 are memorandums of understanding. The agreements are agreements on avoidance of duplication, cooperation in legal matters, maritime transport, investment promotion and protection, transfer of convicted persons, and establishment of joint trade councils. The MoUs include MoUs on manpower, port management, higher education and scientific research, youth and sports cooperation and diplomatic training cooperation.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said that Qatar is one of the labor markets of Bangladesh in the Middle East where about four lakh Bangladeshis are working. Besides, Qatar has a large amount of sovereign wealth fund and that 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.
Hasan Mahmud said that the existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Qatar are very deep, friendly and multifaceted. Qatar is one of the Muslim countries that recognized Bangladesh during Bangabandhu’s regime (in 1974).
Recently, various areas have been identified for expanding the scope of bilateral cooperation through diplomatic, communication and discussion at various levels with Qatar. Among them, business and trade, investment and employment creation, energy, aviation, agriculture, food security, climate change etc. have been marked, he said.
Conflict in the Middle East: Bangladesh’s position in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and crimes against humanity in Gaza is in favor of the Palestinians. The Foreign Minister said that Qatar is playing the role of a mediator in this matter, trying to mediate between Hamas and Israel. They are playing an important role. Naturally, this discussion can come.
Road named after Emir of Qatar: The minister said that a road in Dhaka will be named after the Emir of Qatar. Balur field construction park in Kalsi area of Mirpur, Dhaka North and the road from Mirpur ECB square to Kalsi Udal Bridge will be named after Amir.
