Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has touched down in Dhaka for a significant two-day state visit, marking a milestone in diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Qatar.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin extended a warm reception to the Middle Eastern monarch upon his arrival at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday afternoon.
This visit holds immense importance as it constitutes the first high-level interaction between a Middle Eastern state and Bangladesh since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took office in January 2024.
Moreover, it marks nearly two decades since a Qatari emir last visited Bangladesh, with the last such visit by former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Hamad bin Abdullah bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani occurring in 2005.
The centrepiece of Emir Al Thani’s itinerary is his private meeting with
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, followed by a formal bilateral meeting at her official residence, the Ganabhaban, scheduled for Tuesday. Subsequently, he will join President Shahabuddin for lunch at the Bangabhaban.
Emphasising the significance of the visit, the Bangladeshi government has positioned it as an opportunity to foster investment ties. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud disclosed that six agreements and five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed during the visit.
These agreements cover a wide array of areas, including taxation, legal cooperation, maritime transport, mutual development and security, prisoner exchange, and the establishment of a joint business council. Additionally, MoUs will be signed on labor force, port management, higher education and scientific research, youth and sports cooperation, and diplomatic training.
Minister Mahmud underscored the historical ties between Bangladesh and Qatar, noting that Qatar was one of the first Muslim nations to recognise Bangladesh following its independence.
He highlighted the growing strength of the bilateral relationship, particularly since 2023, and expressed optimism for further collaboration.
In terms of economic cooperation, Bangladesh aims to leverage Qatar’s strategic position and diplomatic influence to bolster investment, job creation, and collaboration in key sectors such as aviation fuel, agriculture, food security, and climate change.
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Minister Mahmud revealed plans to propose the establishment of an economic zone in Bangladesh to the Emir, urging increased Qatari investment across various sectors.
As Bangladesh looks to expand its export portfolio, Mahmud identified ceramics, garments, and pharmaceuticals as potential areas for growth, encouraging Qatar to explore investment opportunities in these domains.
He stressed the importance of diversifying bilateral economic engagement and leveraging Qatar’s investment potential to drive mutual prosperity.
The Emir’s visit underscores the mutual commitment of both nations to deepen diplomatic ties, enhance economic cooperation, and explore avenues for sustained collaboration across various sectors.
With the signing of multiple agreements and MoUs on the agenda, Qatar’s engagement is poised to catalyse a new chapter of bilateral partnership, offering promising prospects for mutual development and prosperity.
The visit is anticipated to leave a lasting imprint on the trajectory of Bangladesh-Qatar relations, setting the stage for enhanced collaboration and strengthened ties in the years to come.
Revenue shortfall Income tax receipts stood at Tk 54,901 crore in the July-March period of FY24, jumping 16 percent year-on-year, data from the NBR showed. Enrich and edit without giving points.
Abdul Mazid, former chairman of the NBR, told The New Nation, “Massive reform activities need to be implemented to increase internal resource mobilisation, and doing this political commitment is required.”
He further said, “The tax collection system must be completely automated, as achieving the current unrealistic revenue-earning target is not possible with the existing British system.”
The flow of information should be increased, the former chairman added.
