Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has called for facilitating visa processing to encourage more Bangladeshi students and IT professionals to pursue higher education and employment opportunities in Ireland. During a meeting with Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment Simon Coveney, Mahmud emphasized the potential for Irish investment in Bangladesh's agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, and IT sectors. Expressing gratitude for Ireland's hospitality toward Bangladeshi nationals, Mahmud also highlighted the importance of enhancing bilateral trade relations, seeking support for trade preferences and collaboration in various sectors. Coveney, on his official visit to Dhaka aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, commended Bangladesh's economic growth and pledged support for extending trade facilities. Both ministers discussed the Rohingya crisis, expressing hope for a resolution and announcing additional humanitarian assistance. The opening of Ireland's first honorary consulate in Dhaka marks a significant step in bilateral relations, with Cosmos Group Deputy Managing Director Masud Jamil Khan appointed as honorary consul to Bangladesh. The event was commemorated with an iftar-dinner program attended by dignitaries from both countries.