For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Bangladesh is eyeing a stronger economic cooperation with Qatar as Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is set to leave for Doha this (Monday) evening to attend the Earthna Summit 2025 and discuss the issues of mutual interest with the leadership of the gas-rich Gulf kingdom.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy in the afternoon, noting that the Chief Adviser will have a series of engagements during the visit, UNB reports.
Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahmmad were also present.
Prof Yunus and his entourage members will leave Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 7pm, Alam said.
Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, among others, will accompany the Chief Adviser during the visit.
The Chief Adviser will pay the four-day official visit at the invitation of Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Dr Yunus is likely to have meetings with both the Amir of Qatar and the Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed in addition to other engagements.
Since there is a long-term agreement with Qatar on LNG imports, Press Secretary Alam said Bangladesh will have a discussion on greater energy sector cooperation.
He said there will be an investment summit on April 23 from which Bangladesh expects a positive response.
Bangladesh stressed the need for a deepening trade and investment relationship with Qatar.
Press Secretary Alam said the visa issues will also be discussed.
He said there will be a long event on the Rohingya issue where global stakeholders will participate.
He hoped that the Rohingya issue would be brought back to global attention, as there are efforts from the interim government.
In a historic first, four national women athletes from Bangladesh will accompany the Chief Adviser during his upcoming four-day visit to Qatar, according to the CA’s press wing.
The delegation includes footballers Afida Khandakar and Shaheda Akhter Ripa and cricketers Sumaiya Akhter and Sharmin Sultana.
This is the first time a group of female athletes will travel as part of an official state delegation with a head of government of Bangladesh.
The Qatar Foundation extended the invitation to the athletes through the Chief Adviser’s office.
On Thursday evening, the four athletes met Professor Yunus at the state guesthouse Jamuna, where they discussed their goals for the visit and expressed their excitement.
"We are thrilled to be part of this visit. It's not just a personal honour but also a proud moment for our teammates and the sports community in Bangladesh," the footballers were quoted by the press wing as saying.
They added that they hoped to invite the Qatari women's football team for a friendly match and were eager to explore Qatar's sports facilities and professional training methods.
The cricketers expressed their desire to spark interest in cricket in Qatar, where the sport is not yet widely followed. "We've prepared a presentation to introduce both our men's and women's cricket journeys."
During the meeting, the athletes also shared their personal struggles and thanked the Chief Adviser for giving them the opportunity to represent the country abroad.
Dr Yunus praised the athletes for their resilience and passion. "You are Bangladesh's sports ambassadors. Share your real stories. Represent our country's spirit and progress through sports," he said.
He assured full support from his office to ensure the success of their trip.
Earthna Summit
The second edition of the Earthna Summit under the theme “Building our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation and Traditional Knowledge” highlights Qatar’s commitment to advancing sustainability in hot and arid environments, by drawing on its rich cultural heritage and unique ecosystems.
Dr Yunus urges quick implementation of Women Affairs Commission’s recommendations.
The summit serves as a platform for exploring how both traditional knowledge and innovative approaches can inform modern sustainability, shaping a more resilient and inclusive future.
During the two days – April 22-23 - the Earthna Summit will explore a wide range of topics through presentations, interactive panel discussions, workshops and roundtables.
Besides, the Earthna Village in Barahat Msheireb will host a series of inspiring talks and discussions led by various experts and innovators to foster dialogue and inspiration.
A number of side events by partners will host a series of networking activations and discussions led by local stakeholders.
Dr Yunus relentlessly devotes his time and energy to inspire people into creating a world of 3 Zeros - zero net carbon emission, zero wealth concentration for ending poverty once and for all and zero unemployment by unleashing entrepreneurship in everyone.
The Chief Adviser is scheduled to return home on April 25.