The Embassy of the State of Qatar in Dhaka hosted a grand reception on Thursday (18 December 2025) to celebrate the National Day of Qatar, marking the historic founding of the State of Qatar.
The programme formally began with the playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and Qatar, symbolizing the strong bilateral ties between the two friendly nations.
Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Adviser for Finance and Adviser for Science and Technology to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, attended the event as the Chief Guest.
In his address, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed extended heartfelt felicitations to the people of the State of Qatar and conveyed special greetings to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, as well as to the Government and the brotherly people of Qatar.
Recalling his first visit to the region in 1973, Dr. Ahmed noted the remarkable transformation of the Middle East over the past five decades. He praised Qatar’s extraordinary progress, highlighting its successful economic growth and wide-ranging diversification achieved within a short period of time.
He also referred to the visit of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser to Qatar in April 2025, stating that the visit further strengthened the bond between the two countries. Dr. Ahmed emphasized that Qatar is one of the major contributors to Bangladesh’s economy, particularly through remittances sent by Bangladeshi expatriates working in the country.
Expressing gratitude to the State of Qatar, he mentioned that nearly two million Bangladeshi nationals are currently employed there. While acknowledging Qatar’s role as a major energy supplier, he pointed out the existing trade imbalance and urged efforts to enhance Bangladesh’s exports to Qatar. He stressed the importance of creating a win-win trade relationship based on fair competition rather than preferential treatment.
Dr. Ahmed welcomed Qatari investment not only in the energy sector but also in technology and other industries, noting that Bangladesh offers attractive returns on investment despite global uncertainties. He also praised Qatar’s leadership and its significant role as a mediator in complex international diplomatic negotiations.
Concluding his remarks, he wished the State of Qatar continued peace, stability, and prosperity, and commended its contribution to global dialogue and development.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Seraya Ali Al-Qahtani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Bangladesh, expressed his honor in welcoming guests to the celebration of Qatar’s National Day.
He stated that 18 December commemorates the founding of the State of Qatar in 1878 under the leadership of its founder Sheikh Jasim Mohammed Al Thani, and prayed for mercy upon his soul.
The Ambassador highlighted that the state visit of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Bangladesh last year marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations. During the visit, several agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed in key areas including investment, energy, governance, education, tourism, and economic partnership.
He noted that Bangladesh–Qatar relations have witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with bilateral cooperation expanding significantly in 2024 and 2025. According to him, the value of bilateral trade has reached approximately USD 2.5 billion.
Ambassador Al-Qahtani further mentioned that more than 400,000 Bangladeshi nationals are currently working in Qatar, making valuable contributions to the country’s economic development across various sectors. He described their presence as a strong reflection of the deep humanitarian and economic partnership between the two nations.
Reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to peace, stability, and dialogue at both regional and international levels, the Ambassador emphasized Qatar’s continued role in promoting diplomacy, peacebuilding, and humanitarian development.
On this auspicious occasion, he expressed confidence that the brotherly ties between Qatar and Bangladesh would continue to grow stronger and prayed for the prosperity, security, and progress of the State of Qatar and for the continued advancement of bilateral relations.
The celebration concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony, marking the joyous occasion of Qatar’s National Day.
The event was attended by diplomatic envoys, senior government officials, business leaders, and other distinguished guests, reflecting the broad support for the enduring partnership between Bangladesh and Qatar.
