Diplomatic Desk:
His Excellency Shiuneen Rasheed, the High Commissioner of the Maldives to Bangladesh, has stated that there is potential to expand the market for Maldivian tuna and other fishery products in Bangladesh. He also emphasized the importance of further strengthening cooperation in tourism, trade, and business by leveraging the growing connectivity between the two nations.
He made these remarks on Tuesday (October 6, 2026) at the “The Great Tuna Gala—Flavors from the Sunny Side” event, organized by the High Commission of the Maldives at the Sheraton Dhaka. M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, Bangladesh’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, attended the event as the chief guest.
The event was attended by approximately 250 guests, including senior officials from the Government of Bangladesh, diplomats from various countries, business leaders, stakeholders from the tourism and fisheries sectors, and media representatives.
High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed noted that the ocean holds a deep connection to the Maldives’ economy, island communities, and culture. The fisheries sector plays a vital role in the country’s economy; notably, the traditional pole-and-line method of tuna fishing is a hallmark of the Maldives’ sustainable fisheries management.
He mentioned that tuna has been harvested in the Maldives using the pole-and-line method for generations. This practice reflects the nation’s long-standing commitment to the responsible and sustainable use of marine resources.
Highlighting the potential to expand the market for Maldivian tuna and other fishery products in Bangladesh, the High Commissioner stated that increased connectivity between the two countries is creating new opportunities for growth in tourism, trade, and business engagement. Speaking as the chief guest, M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, the Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, noted the potential to further deepen cooperation between Bangladesh and the Maldives in the fisheries and tourism sectors. He stated that the two countries could collaborate on sustainable fishing practices and tourism development. He also emphasized the importance of close communication to promote tourism and create new avenues for mutual cooperation.
“The Great Tuna Gala” also showcased the Maldives’ fishing heritage and culinary culture. Alongside displays of tuna and various other fishery products, renowned Maldivian chef Maha Naseer conducted a live cooking demonstration. By preparing traditional Maldivian dishes, she highlighted the versatile use of tuna and other seafood in the country’s culinary traditions.
Guests had the opportunity to taste traditional Maldivian cuisine while also learning about the country’s fisheries sector, island lifestyle, food culture, and maritime heritage.
The event also highlighted the Maldives as a premier international tourist destination, showcasing aspects such as its island-based tourism, natural beauty, hospitality, and rich cultural heritage.
The High Commission stated that the primary objectives of “The Great Tuna Gala” were to raise awareness about Maldivian fishery products in Bangladesh, explore market expansion and business-to-business partnership opportunities, and promote the Maldives as an attractive tourist destination for Bangladeshi travelers.
The event underscored the potential to further strengthen the growing economic and people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and the Maldives, while also expanding cooperation in fisheries, trade, tourism, and other areas of mutual interest.
The event was supported by Epitychia Holdings Pvt. Ltd., VARU by Atmosphere, Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited, Maldivian Airlines, Sheraton Dhaka, THE WAY DHAKA, and INZAA Company Pvt. Ltd.
