Bangladesh–Iran relations

Iran and Bangladesh generally have good relations. Both nations are Muslim and cooperate in fields such as trade, culture, and investment, and have a historically multifaceted relationship with Iran's neighbor to the East. Although in terms of language, history and political systems they are very different countries. The first ever visit by an Iranian president to Bangladesh took place in October 1995, when the then President Hashemi Rafsanjani traveled to the country. [ [http://www.bssnews.net/index.php?genID=BSS-01-2002-10-28&id=7 Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) - Home ] ]

The government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is seeking to deepen ties between the two states, with Iranian investment in Bangladeshi industry. Bangladesh has also supported Iran's controversial nuclear program, claiming it is for peaceful purposes. [ [http://www2.irna.com/en/news/view/line-17/0705163533132415.htm Iran ready to cement ties with Bangladesh: Mottaki - Irna ] ] The Bangladeshi interim government also called for Iran's full membership of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation; it is currently an observer member of the organisation. [ [http://www2.irna.com/en/news/view/line-22/0704200287133052.htm Bangladesh supports Iran's inclusion into SAARC - Irna ] ]

Bangladesh and Iran signed a preferential trade accord in July 2006 which removed non-tariff barriers, with a view to eventually establishing a free trade agreement. [ [http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=5286 Dhaka to sign preferential trade accord with Tehran ] ] Before the signing of the accord, bilateral trade between the countries amounted to US$100 million annually.

In mid-2007, the Bangladeshi government requested Iran's help in the construction of a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh, in order to offset the decline in the availability of gas for power generation. Bangladeshi Minister of Power, Energy and Natural Resources Tapan Chowdhury also requested Iranian assistance for the construction of new oil refineries in Bangladesh. [ [http://www.shana.ir/111378-en.html Bangladesh Seeks Iran"s Cooperation In Nuclear Energy Sector ] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.iheu.org/node/580 Iran and Bangladesh] , International Humanist and Ethical Union