Dhaka, Oct 24 (V7N) — Qatar has expressed interest in deepening not only its economic ties but also political cooperation with Bangladesh. According to Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Qatar, Hazrat Ali Khan, Doha has formally offered to assist Dhaka in its democratic transition process following the July coup.

He said Qatar, which plays an active role in mediation diplomacy, has also conveyed its willingness to stand by Bangladesh on the Rohingya crisis.

After last year’s political changeover, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia traveled to London in January for medical treatment, using a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar. She later returned to Dhaka aboard the same aircraft, underscoring the growing warmth in relations between the two nations.

Earlier in April, Qatar hosted Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on an official visit, during which discussions focused on expanding LNG imports, trade, and investment. The Chief Advisor proposed establishing a dedicated Export Processing Zone (EPZ) for Qatari investors in Bangladesh to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.

Ambassador Hazrat Ali Khan said the recent high-level visits — including that of the Emir of Qatar to Bangladesh last year — highlight the excellent diplomatic relations between the two countries. “The Prime Minister of Qatar assured that if Bangladesh needs any support in streamlining democracy, Qatar will be there to help,” he added.

For nearly five decades, Bangladesh’s relationship with Qatar has centered primarily on labor migration and energy cooperation, particularly LNG imports. However, analysts note that Qatar’s growing engagement indicates a strategic shift toward broader political and diplomatic involvement.

Qatar’s active stance on regional peace, including its efforts to mediate the Palestinian conflict, further underscores its diplomatic ambitions. Officials believe that its support for Bangladesh on both economic and political fronts could strengthen Dhaka’s international position.

Currently, around half a million Bangladeshi workers are employed in Qatar, making it a major contributor to Bangladesh’s remittance inflows. Experts suggest that this evolving partnership could pave the way for deeper and more comprehensive bilateral cooperation in the coming years.

END/SMA/AJ