Yunus on wings to Qatar: Bilateral talks focus on labour, energy, investment

Diplomatic Correspondent :

Bangladesh is set to deepen its bilateral engagement with Qatar, focusing on enhanced economic cooperation, improved access to the Qatari labour market, and the streamlining of visa procedures for Bangladeshi citizens. These key issues will headline discussions during Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus’s official four-day visit to Qatar, commencing Monday.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain confirmed the agenda during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “There are ongoing
complications related to labour market access and visa issuance, and we aim to address these through constructive dialogue,” he said.
In response to questions regarding energy cooperation, particularly the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG), Adviser Hossain noted that LNG matters fall under the purview of other relevant authorities. “Those involved in energy imports are better placed to provide details on that front,” he said, adding that further insights would be shared following the delegation’s return.
The visit, taking place at the invitation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is part of Bangladesh’s broader strategy to diversify its economic partnerships across the Gulf region. It reflects a concerted effort to strengthen cooperation in areas including trade, investment, energy, and migration policy.
Chief Adviser Yunus will attend the ‘Earthana (Our Planet)’ Summit – an international platform focused on sustainability and innovation – during his stay in Doha. He will also hold bilateral meetings with the Emir of Qatar and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
A high-level delegation is accompanying Professor Yunus, comprising Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed.
According to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, the delegation will participate in several strategic engagements, including an investment summit scheduled for 23 April. Bangladesh aims to attract Qatari capital into key sectors, leveraging its growing market and strategic location as a gateway to South Asia.
Although Bangladesh already holds a long-term agreement with Qatar on LNG imports, further energy collaboration is expected to feature prominently in the discussions, alongside calls for reforming labour market policies and simplifying visa regimes for Bangladeshi nationals working in Qatar.
The Rohingya humanitarian crisis will also be addressed during the visit. A dedicated event is planned in Doha with the participation of international stakeholders, where Bangladesh is expected to call for renewed global attention and coordinated support.
In a symbolic first for the country, four national female athletes will join the official delegation, highlighting Bangladesh’s evolving approach to inclusive diplomacy. The athletes – footballers Afida Khandakar and Shaheda Akhter Ripa, and cricketers Sumaiya Akhter and Sharmin Sultana – were invited by the Qatar Foundation through the Chief Adviser’s Office. During a meeting with Professor Yunus at the state guesthouse Jamuna last Thursday, the athletes shared their aspirations and outlined initiatives such as proposing a friendly match with Qatar’s women’s football team and presenting the development of women’s cricket in Bangladesh.
The delegation was scheduled to depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 7:00 pm on Monday.