Bangladesh-Qatar to sign 6 deals, 5 MoUs during Qatar emir’s visit

Bangladesh and Qatar will sign 11 cooperation documents - six agreements and five MoUs - as Dhaka is ready to welcome Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The agreements cover a diverse range of areas including the avoidance of double taxation and tax evasion, cooperation in legal affairs, mutual investment promotion and protection, transportation by sea, exchange of prisoners, and the establishment of a joint business council. Additionally, the MoUs will focus on cooperation in the manpower sector, port management, higher education and scientific research, youth and sports, as well as diplomatic training.
According to Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, this visit marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Qatar, being the first high-level visit from any Middle Eastern country since the formation of Bangladesh's new government earlier this year. The Emir's visit underscores the importance both nations place on strengthening their ties.
The Emir, accompanied by a high-level Qatari delegation, is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka today afternoon via a special flight. He will be welcomed by President Mohammed Shahabuddin with a ceremonial reception at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
In addition to bilateral cooperation, global issues such as the situation in Palestine-Israel will be on the agenda, with Bangladesh expected to voice its stance on the matter. Foreign Minister Mahmud emphasized the need to halt the violence in Gaza, echoing the sentiments of the international community.
Qatar's significant economic prowess, fueled by its rich petroleum and natural gas resources, positions it as a key player in the Middle East, noted Mahmud. Discussions during the visit are expected to include energy cooperation, with Bangladesh aiming to bolster its energy security through fruitful engagements with Qatar.
Qatar serves as an important labor market for Bangladesh in the Middle East, employing approximately four lakh Bangladeshi workers. Moreover, it stands as a crucial source of energy imports for Bangladesh.
The visit of the Qatari Emir is anticipated to elevate bilateral relations to new heights, marking a milestone in the longstanding friendship between the two nations. 
Hasan Mahmud said the existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Qatar are very "deep, friendly and multifaceted" and Qatar is one of the Muslim countries that recognised Bangladesh during Bangabandhu's government (in 1974).