TEHRAN (Iran News) Younes Zhaeleh, President of the Tabriz Chamber of Commerce, expressed optimism about the growing ties between the two nations and reiterated the Chamber’s full readiness to foster economic relations with Bangladesh. He underscored the importance of defining joint projects to enhance commercial cooperation.

“East Azerbaijan Province boasts diverse and robust industrial capabilities that can play a pivotal role in expanding trade with Bangladesh,” Zhaeleh stated. He also pointed to the province’s strategic geographical position as Iran’s gateway to Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, which he said could serve as a vital link between Bangladesh and regional markets.

Zhaeleh further noted that the Free Trade Agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union presents a significant opportunity for investment and export expansion into member countries.

Bangladeshi Ambassador Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury described the Tabriz Chamber as one of the most active and dynamic in Iran and expressed his honor in visiting Iran’s oldest chamber of commerce. He said the main purpose of his trip to Tabriz was to explore undiscovered trade opportunities and promote bilateral cooperation.

“There is a lack of mutual awareness about the economic potentials of each other’s markets,” said the ambassador. “Many Iranian businesses are unfamiliar with the capabilities of Bangladesh, and likewise, the industrial strengths of East Azerbaijan Province are not widely known in Bangladesh.”

During his visit, Ambassador Chowdhury toured the Tabriz Tractor Manufacturing Company, one of the largest tractor producers in the region, and expressed interest in facilitating imports of its products to Bangladesh.

He acknowledged sanctions and financial restrictions as key challenges in Iran-Bangladesh trade relations but emphasized that numerous avenues for collaboration still exist. He highlighted Bangladesh’s position as the world’s second-largest garment producer and signaled the country’s willingness to invest in joint manufacturing ventures with Iran.

Citing the complementary geographic advantages of the two nations, the ambassador noted that East Azerbaijan’s access to Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Russia, alongside Bangladesh’s access to the densely populated South Asian market, presents an opportunity for strategic trade cooperation. He proposed that Bangladesh could become a key export hub for Iranian and East Azerbaijani products to South Asia, leveraging its competitive labor costs and market access.

With a population exceeding 165 million, including a growing middle and affluent class of around 30 million, Bangladesh offers a promising market for Iranian products, particularly in consumer goods and imports.

Chowdhury also emphasized Bangladesh’s achievements in pharmaceuticals and pointed to Iran’s strengths in medical equipment as another potential area for collaboration.

In conclusion, the ambassador highlighted Bangladesh’s membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO), which allows it to export to many countries without tariffs. Given that Iran and Bangladesh are not economic competitors, he stressed, there is significant room for mutual trade and investment growth.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Welcoming the guests, the Bangladeshi Ambassador H.E. Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury expressed deep appreciation for their presence, calling it a reflection of the strong and growing relationship between Bangladesh and Iran. He extended special gratitude to the Chief Guest, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Mr. Seyed Hamed Ameli, for joining the commemoration.

The ceremony opened with a moment of remembrance for the victims of the recent tragic incident at Shahid Rajaei Port in Bandar Abbas on April 26. The Ambassador conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Iranian people, prayed for the souls of the deceased, and wished a swift recovery to the injured.

Highlighting the significance of March 26—the day Bangladesh declared its independence from Pakistan in 1971—the Ambassador described it as a powerful symbol of national resilience, dignity, and the unyielding will of the people. He paid tribute to the countless martyrs and freedom fighters who laid down their lives during the nine-month Liberation War.

“The birth of Bangladesh is a story of immense sacrifice, suffering, and courage,” he stated. “We began our journey with nothing but determination and the ashes of a war-torn country.”

Reflecting on Bangladesh’s trajectory over the past five decades, the envoy noted that despite political turbulence, natural disasters, and structural challenges, the nation has made remarkable socio-economic progress. He emphasized that the country has consistently recovered from setbacks and now often surpasses regional peers in key development indicators.

A significant portion of the speech focused on the recent political transformation in Bangladesh. The Ambassador recounted the mass uprisings of July and August 2024, where youth-led protests swept the nation and led to the collapse of what he termed an “authoritarian regime.”

“The monsoon revolution of 2024 has given rise to a new Bangladesh—one that stands for democracy, rule of law, and justice,” he declared. “The people’s voice has once again shaped our future.”

He praised Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus for leading the country’s current reform agenda, aimed at strengthening institutions, improving governance, and promoting political transparency.

“This is our chance to fulfill the dreams of the martyrs of 1971 and create a nation built on the foundations of freedom, fairness, and opportunity,” the Ambassador said.

Touching on the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Iran, the Ambassador highlighted the historical and cultural ties that bind the two nations. He noted that both countries have enjoyed longstanding religious and cultural connections for over a millennium, and that mutual goodwill continues to define their interactions.

In recent years, he said, exchanges at multiple levels—including trade, diplomacy, and cultural engagement—have intensified, with growing interest from both nations’ private sectors to boost economic cooperation. The two countries also work closely at the United Nations and other international forums.

“Bangladesh supports Iran’s legitimate rights as a responsible member of the international community,” he affirmed.

The Ambassador also stressed that Bangladesh, though a relatively young nation, is rooted in a civilization spanning over two thousand years. He portrayed Bangladesh as a peace-loving country committed to global cooperation, regional integration, and multilateral diplomacy.

“Our contributions to UN peacekeeping missions reflect our commitment to global peace,” he said. “We continue to advocate for moderation, constructive engagement, and practical solutions on the world stage.”

Concluding his speech, the Ambassador expressed hope for a brighter future for both Bangladesh and Iran, built on mutual respect and deepened partnership.

“Though the journey is long and the road challenging, we are determined to stay the course,” he said. “May Bangladesh live forever, and may the friendship between Bangladesh and Iran continue to flourish.”

The evening concluded with a cultural segment and a reception showcasing traditional Bangladeshi cuisine and hospitality. Guests departed with a deeper appreciation for the nation’s history, its present challenges, and its aspirations for a just and democratic future.

Meanwhile addressing the event, Iran’s Deputy Industry, Mine and Trade Minister Ameli hailed Bangladesh and the ties between the two countries and called for boosting cooperation between the two states in any sphere.

Then the Ambassador, accompanied with his wife as well as esteemed guests cut the special cake, prepared for the day.

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Independence of Bangladesh was declared on 26 March 1971, celebrated as Independence Day, from Pakistan. The Independence Day of Bangladesh is celebrated on 26 March when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the Independence of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Embassy in Tehran celebrated the day with delay because of New Year holiday in Iran as well as Holy Month of Ramadhan.

Respected Ambassador of Bangladesh to Tehran Mr. Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury hosted the event which started with playing national anthems of Bangladesh and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization Mr. Mehdi Zeighami was the chief guest of the event where many diplomats, military men and businessmen were also present.

Addressing the participants in the event, Ambassador of Bangladesh Mr. Karim Khan welcomed the guests for their presence for marking the Independence Day of Bangladesh and said 26  March,  is  Bangladesh’s  Independence  and  National  Day but the embassy was holding the celemony in Tehran with delay because of Ramadhan and New Year in Iran, adding, “ Our  Father  of  the  Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence on 26 March 1971 and paid deepest tribute to the Father of the Nation and the greatest Bengalee of all time. He then pointed to the efforts of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for the prosperity and independence of the country.

He added, “In early ‘70s, after the independence, the war-ravaged country was described by some     international experts as an international “basket case” and a test case for development.  Many doubted that we would survive. But Bangladesh proved them wrong. After 52 years, Bangladesh is a different country, may be a success story.  .

He noted, “In the last 52 years, our national income increased around 30 times from where it was in 1972. We were one of the poorest countries in 1972 with per capita GDP $93, after 52 years, our per capita GDP is around $2800. Life expectancy at birth in 1971 was 46, now it is 72. We have achieved significant progressed in the socio-economic sectors, in many cases better than regional countries.    Bangladesh  is  now  the  3rd largest  vegetables  producer,  4rth  largest  sweet-water  fish  producer and 5^th largest ricer producer in the world.”

The diplomat added, “Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is focused on economic development and improving wellbeing of the people. Since  2009,  Bangladesh  returned  to  the  track  of  fast  development  under  the  able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She is leading Bangladesh to materialize her vision of transforming the country into a developed one by 2041. The daughter of the Father  of  the  Nation  has  been  rising  up  to  the  peoples’  expectations  despite  many challenges. Bangladesh is determined to realize the dream of Golden Bengal of the Father of the Nation – the dream of a happy and prosperous Bangladesh.”

Karim Khan then pointed to the relation of Iran and Bangladesh and said both countries enjoy long standing friendly and brotherly relations, adding that religious and cultural linkages between the people of the two countries are millennium old.”

He reiterated Iran and Bangladesh are working to deepen bilateral relations and to explore further areas     of mutually beneficial cooperation.  He reiterated that Dhaka is determined to boost its tie with Tehran.

Then Head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization Mr. Zeighami, for his part, felicitated the independence day of Bangladesh and pointed to the commonalities of both states.

He added that for the last forty-eight years, Iran and Bangladesh have always made their efforts to keep their friendly, brotherly, and balanced relations on the basis of mutual respect and common interests and in addition, with the advent of the Islamic Revolution, these relations further deepened due to the common approaches. During the past years, bilateral political relations have been at an acceptable level.

He then said another issue that he would like to mention today is about the economic growth of Bangladesh in recent years which has been praised by the global community, adding that this issue shows the determination of the government and people of this country for change and progress.

In the end, he extended his congratulations on the graduation of Bangladesh from the least developed countries into the developing countries in 2026 and once again, I extend my felicitation to the government and people of Bangladesh on the occasion of Independence Day.

Earlier second secretary of Embassy of Bangladesh Oalid Islam briefed the participants of the history of the independence of Bangladesh.

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Speaking among the officials of the chamber and some economic activists of the province, Dr. Julia Moin said that she is in the North Khorasan Chamber of Commerce to get more information about the different capacities of investment in this province.

She noted that ornamental and marble stones are some goods which are required by her country although currently some Iranian companies are busy with exporting these types of stones to Bangladesh. She further said that some agro products like red onion, grape and raisins are exported to Bangladesh which meet the demands.

Moin added that Bangladesh offers good incentives to investors that tax and custom exemptions are some of them. She noted that one of the good advantages of Bangladesh is its membership in the WTO that Iran can take advantage of it. She said Iranian trade companies can take advantage of Bangladesh’s presence in the WTO and enter the Southeast Asia market.

She went on to say that the value of Bangladesh’s exports to Iran in the current year has been over $40m and its imports from Iran have been $66m and it shows the fact that the trade balance is positive in favor of Iran.

Moin also said that Bangladesh requires some products like iron, copper, bitumen, different fertilizers, agro machineries, motorcycle, carpet and milk powder that  some of them are provided from Iran.

She went on to say that Bangladesh is one of the biggest garment producers in the world and it is eighth cotton exporter in the world and is ready to cooperate with Iranian investors in this field.

Moin also called on Iranian investors to invest in the field of creating processing and complementary industries and added that the Bangladesh government offers considerable incentives to the investors like land.

She said there is no limit for investment in Bangladesh and the investor immediately get residence permit and whenever the investor wants to withdraw its capital, it is easily approved by the officials.

She reiterated that kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus fiber) is the major export of Bangladesh to Iran which is used in Iran’s carpet weaving industry.

Moin noted that exports from North Khorasan should be good quality to enter Bangladesh market and the condition for its transportation to Bangladesh should be provided and this needs more cooperation.

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In the meeting, Shafei and Chavoshi explored ways for reinforcing trade and increasing bilateral trade volume between Iran and Bangladesh. In the meeting, Shafei pointed to the high economic growth of Bangladesh and start of new development-centered approaches of the country in recent years and he termed the prospect of Bangladesh economy as positive and emphasized reinforcing trade infrastructures of Iran with Bangladesh for broadening bilateral cooperation.

He said that considering developmental plans in Bangladesh, there are many capacities for cooperation between Iran and Bangladesh like in construction materials and road-construction technologies, bitumen, cement, fuel, transportation fleet, manufacture of bus, investment and broadening co-operations in different industries like apparel, agro sector, herbal medicines, medical equipment and other grounds.

Shafei also emphasized that in the field of trade with Bangladesh, two hurdles of tariff and transportation require to be removed and these challenges are eased. He added that Bangladesh has started tariff exemption deals with some countries especially European ones and therefore Iran needs to implement preferential trade agreement with Bangladesh for paving the ground for the bilateral trade.

He then pointed to recent delegation of ICCIMA to Bangladesh to attend the D8 Chambers of Commerce Meeting where the delegation consulted with Bangladeshi officials over reducing trade tariffs and revoking visas for traders of the D8 members and it announced readiness of ICCIMA to host the next meeting of the group in Tehran.

Shafei also said that currently Bushehr Chamber of Commerce is in charge of coordinating trade cooperation between Iran and Bangladesh, adding that ICCIMA has approved to launch the Iran-Bangladesh Joint Commercial Committee which will be soon formed.

He also said that it needs business activists of Iran and Bangladesh to know the economic capacities both sides, adding that preparations are underway for dispatching or hosting trade delegation through cooperation of embassies of Iran and Bangladesh and with activating the joint commercial committee, these programs will be reinforced.

Then Mr. Chavoshi, for his part, emphasized the importance of Iran-Bangladesh ties and pointed to the capacities and broad advantages that Iran can take advantage of it through cooperation with Bangladesh. He said that one of the positive points is that Bangladeshi people have good view regarding Iran and its economic activists and goods and this attitude can be used for broadening ties and cooperation between the two states and should be reinforced, adding that there are grounds for cooperation between Iran and Bangladesh like construction, construction materials, handicrafts, IT and other grounds.

He also emphasized necessity for acquaintance of Iranian economic activists with Bangladesh market and field knowledge and in-person meetings of traders, active presence of Iranian activists in annual exhibitions of Bangladesh and dispatch of trade delegation to Bangladesh are two important issues for boosting cooperation and enhancing trade volume.

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A.F.M. Gousal Azam Sarker made the remarks in a meeting with board members of the North Khorasan Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture in Bojnurd on Saturday, adding that there is a good opportunity to become familiar with the economic products of the province and invest in the region.

Iran and Bangladesh have been enjoying numerous cultural and historical commonalities for several years and the two countries’ viewpoints have come closer in the current century, so there is a proper opportunity to expand trade exchanges, he noted.

The envoy went on to say that he has got much information on the capacities of the province, mentioning that North Khorasan enjoys good capacity in producing minerals, urea fertilizer, and aluminum.

As to the good coordination between Bangladesh’s chamber of commerce and North Khorasan, he argued that the South Asian country possesses an eye-catching capacity to invest in the province.

Bangladesh is the second big producer of clothes and the cotton produced in North Khorasan Province is the raw material for the industry that can be exported to the country, he said.

Moreover, steel and iron industries in North Khorasan can be exported to Bangladesh, the envoy added.

The South Asian country has significantly invested in medicine, he said, adding that North Khorasan has herbal plants, which can be exported to Bangladesh.

The exchange of investments between private sectors of both countries can pave the ground for pursuing joint ventures, he argued.

For his part, Chairman of the North Khorasan Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture Saeed Purabadi said that the province intends to facilitate investment through the issuance of visas for Bangladeshi investors and merchants to pave the way for export of mineral and agricultural products.

Cement, alumina, and urea fertilizer, along with fruits, are among the products of the province, which can be exported, he said, adding that North Khorasan is one of the best places for planting medicinal herbs.

Bangladesh’s ambassador has started his three-day visit to North Khorasan on Saturday in a bid to hold talks with provincial officials and become familiar with the economic capacities of the northwestern province.

From among the 863 thousand people living in North Khorasan Province, 44 percent of the population is residing in rural areas.

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The win brought Maryam Irandoost’s side level with Jordan at the top of Group G, with the winner of Saturday’s clash between the two sides to decide who advances to January’s final tournament in India.

Iranian captain Behnaz Taherkhani scored twice from the penalty spot, with Melika Motevalli, Golnoosh Khosravi and Hajar Dabbaghi also finding the back of the net to eliminate a Bangladesh side which had lost their first match 5-0 against Jordan on Sunday.

The 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup will be held in India from Jan. 20 to Feb. 6.

Japan are the defending champions.

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Zarif held talks with Shahriar Alam, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, who was in Tehran on behalf of his government to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s new president, Seyed Ebrahim Raisi. In the Friday meeting, the Bangladeshi diplomat and the Iranian foreign minister conferred on issues in bilateral relations in different political, economic, and cultural spheres, according to a statement by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Zarif thanked the Bangladeshi government for sending a high-ranking delegation headed by the country’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs to the inauguration ceremony of the Iranian president.

He also reviewed different aspects of relations between the two countries in bilateral and multilateral areas, especially collaborations at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Dhaka’s stances regarding the issue of Palestine.
Foreign Minister Zarif further praised the Dhaka government’s cooperation in the past eight years on promoting ties with Iran.

He also pointed to President Ebrahim Raisi’s special attention to ties with the regional countries, especially the country’s neighbors, and expressed hope that relations and collaborations between Tehran and Dhaka would further expand in the coming period, and the use of creative ways to promote mutual cooperation will continue.

The Bangladeshi diplomat, in turn, highlighted the grounds for the promotion of mutual cooperation in various bilateral fields as well as other areas of cooperation. He also praised Zarif’s eight-year efforts for relations between the two countries.

Issues related to the Rohingya refugees, cooperation at the OIC, and direct flights between the two countries were among other topics discussed by the two top diplomats.
Zarif also met with Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Ronaldo Moncada on Saturday. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the latest developments in bilateral relations and important issues in the Latin American region, as well as the two countries’ resistance to unilateralism and the interference of some parties in the affairs of independent countries.

In this meeting, Zarif appreciated the participation of the high-ranking Nicaraguan delegation headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the inauguration ceremony of the new president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, described the relations between the two countries in various fields as important and called for using appropriate methods to continue cooperation between the two countries.

The Iranian foreign minister also pointed to the similarities between the people of the two countries in terms of enduring the economic pressures imposed by the unilateralism of the United States of America and stressed the undoubted success of the people of the two countries in this field.

The Nicaraguan foreign minister, for his part, expressed his satisfaction with the invitation and attendance at the inauguration of the president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, referring to the historical relations between the two countries and thanked Zarif for his efforts to expand cooperation between the two countries over the past eight years.

Zarif met with many foreign diplomats who participated in the inauguration of Ayatollah Raisi.  One such meeting was held between Zarif and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah. In the meeting, the two ministers discussed bilateral ties as well as the latest situation of the region and other issues of mutual interest.

In his Thursday meeting with Zarif, the Kuwaiti foreign minister once again expressed his congratulation on the election of Raisi as Iran’s new president, reiterating Kuwait City’s determination to expand all-out relations with Tehran.

He also called for more consultations between the two countries on regional and international issues.

The Kuwaiti official lauded Zarif’s endeavors over the past eight years and described as significant the initiatives put forward by Iran to boost regional cooperation in the Persian Gulf region.

Zarif, for his part, praised the respectful, cordial, and close relations between Iran and Kuwait, and reviewed the extensive efforts made to enhance reciprocal ties.

He also announced that the new Iranian president is firm to work towards boosting relations with Iran’s neighbors within the framework of Tehran’s definitive policy.

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In the meeting which was held upon the invitation of Head of Arak Chamber of Commerce, the chamber presented capabilities and capacities of Markazi Province for more cooperation between the province and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Ambassador Mr. Azam Sarker said that in his view, growth and development has a special and valuable place and pulling all energy and capability of the private sector is very crucial for achieving progress.

He added that to this end, Bangladesh government has tried to hand over the trade and investment to the private sector to witness successes in the economic activities, and therefore, efforts have been considerably made and many privatizations have been done in order to make Bangladesh economy shift from a state-run economy to a private-sector one.

He stipulated that fortunately despite high population in the country, Bangladesh government is able to supply required basic goods for the public, and even it also exports in some sectors.

Azam Sarker went on to say that in the past 12 years, Bangladesh economy has taken a long stride in a way that its GDP has grown from 6% to 8%, adding that the government has also taken policies to in order that investors and traders can trade with Iran and it will help Bangladesh to enter its third phase of economic growth.

He also expressed interests of Bangladesh for expansion of ties with Iran due to their historic and cultural ties, adding that Bangladesh currently requires raw material for advancing its economic goals and it seems Markazi Province of Iran has enough capacity to meet the needs of Bangladesh to the raw materials. He noted since both countries enjoy having good political ties, this potential exits that their bilateral trade relation picks up.

Azam Sarker reiterated that joint investment is the missing link for trade between Iran and Bangladesh, adding that with this action, transfer of technology and rise in the trade exchange will be the ground for some changes that it will lead to golden opportunities for both countries and even other countries.

He also pointed to the capabilities of Bangladesh in the field of pharmaceutical productions, ceramic, building small and big ship (exporting them to countries like Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands) and notified that Bangladesh ranks second in fiber production in the machine-manufacturing industry and leather industries, adding that the country has good investment in the apparel industries.

The ambassador noted that Bangladesh is importer in the fields of LPG, bitumen, steel and aluminum and it provides its needs from Iran and other countries. He added that the country has some shortages in producing some food products like onion and garlic and Iran can provide Bangladesh with food stuff and both countries can exchange bilateral trade of products like banana, coconut, fruit juice and fruits.

Azam Sarker said both countries will benefit from the joint investment project. He said different tax and customs exemptions for investments are of the major advantages of the investment, and production in Bangladesh and traders and businessmen in Bangladesh can trade with international currencies.

Then Head of Arak Chamber of Commerce Mr. Naser Beiki, for his part, hailed the Bangladesh government for its good management in different grounds and said since Markazi Province is an industrial province, the condition is good for bilateral ties with Bangladesh.

Meanwhile the secretary of the chamber Mr. Joodaki said Iran’s exports to Bangladesh were around $80m in 2019 but due to the coronavirus pandemic this figure declined last year. He said exchange of trade delegations between the two countries, Iran and Bangladesh can boost their bilateral trade.

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