Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Jordan, Noor-E Hilal Saifur Rahman, reaffirmed his country’s strong appreciation for Jordan’s enduring support of the Palestinian cause and emphasized the importance of the Hashemite Custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra) on the occasion of Bangladesh’s National Day, Rahman underscored the shared commitment of both nations to a just resolution that ensures the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign state along the 1967 borders.
The ambassador noted that Jordan was among the first Arab nations to recognize Bangladesh in 1973, laying the foundation for a strong bilateral relationship. He highlighted that the two countries share common values and cultural ties, with Bangladesh opening a resident embassy in Amman in 1998. Since then, he said, bilateral cooperation has expanded across multiple sectors, especially in economic development.
Rahman announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral consultations between the two countries has been finalized and awaits signing. He cited the visit of the Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary to Amman in November 2023 and a planned reciprocal visit by the Jordanian side to Dhaka, during which the MoU is expected to be signed.
Discussing economic indicators, the ambassador stated that Bangladesh’s GDP stands at approximately $480 billion in nominal terms and $1.8 trillion in purchasing power parity (PPP). He described Bangladesh as a dynamic market with a youthful and trainable workforce, and noted the potential for joint initiatives in technology-driven entrepreneurship, leveraging Jordan’s highly educated youth and technical expertise.
Bilateral trade reached approximately $120 million in 2023, with Jordan exporting goods worth around $58 million. Rahman highlighted Bangladesh’s position as the world’s second-largest exporter of ready-made garments, adding that between 35,000 and 40,000 Bangladeshi workers mostly women are employed in Jordan’s garment industry. He said this labor force plays a vital role in enhancing economic integration.
He also emphasized potential collaboration in other sectors, including ICT, agriculture, construction, healthcare, and hospitality. Additionally, he encouraged developing tourism ties, pointing to Jordan’s religious and historical attractions and suggesting that the country could serve as a destination for Bangladeshi religious tourists, especially those traveling for Umrah.
Marking 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2023, the Bangladeshi Embassy organized cultural events in cooperation with Jordan’s Ministry of Culture. The two countries are also finalizing an MoU on cultural cooperation, and efforts are underway to include Bangladeshi cultural troupes in Jordan’s Jerash Festival.
Rahman encouraged Jordanian travelers heading to Southeast Asia to consider Bangladesh as a regional hub due to its natural beauty and heritage sites. He also highlighted the role Jordanian airlines could play in serving millions of Bangladeshi expatriates across the globe, including those in Jordan.
On the Palestinian issue, the ambassador reiterated Bangladesh’s unwavering diplomatic support for Palestinian self-determination, a core principle of its foreign policy.
He strongly condemned recent Israeli attacks on Gaza following the ceasefire agreement, labeling them a violation of international law, and called on the international community to hold Israel accountable and ensure compliance with the truce.
