2007 Project Set to Complete in 2025

Bangladesh is poised to complete the construction of its long-awaited permanent mission complex in Islamabad by June 30, 2025. This project marks a major achievement in Bangladesh’s diplomatic relations with Pakistan, which has entered a "golden period" after 17 years of strained ties. According to sources in Dhaka and Islamabad, Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain is expected to officially inaugurate the complex later this year, signifying a new chapter in Bangladesh-Pakistan relations.

The Bangladesh mission complex in Islamabad is a part of the country’s broader strategy to strengthen its diplomatic presence globally. This complex will feature a chancery, Bangladesh House, and diplomatic dormitories. The initiative, which dates back to 2007, is part of a larger plan by Bangladesh to construct permanent mission complexes in key locations, including Bandar Seri Begawan, Berlin, Thimphu, Canberra, Jeddah, and Riyadh. Despite challenges, the government has moved forward with these projects, aiming to enhance the nation's international outreach.

The initial budget for the Bangladesh mission complex in Islamabad was set at 29.8 crore taka back in 2007. However, due to several unforeseen factors, the project underwent multiple revisions, with costs spiraling over time. The project’s final cost now stands at 97.42 crore taka, reflecting more than a 300% increase. Several issues have contributed to these budget revisions, including inflation, rising costs of building materials, and the significant depreciation of Pakistan’s currency against the US dollar, which surged by 200-250%. Political tensions between Bangladesh and Pakistan, combined with poor initial evaluation and monitoring, delayed progress significantly.

Bangladesh was fortunate in securing one of the largest plots of land—16 bighas—in Islamabad’s prestigious diplomatic zone, an area designated for foreign missions. This prime location is expected to elevate the country’s diplomatic stature in the region.

The project's early years were marked by low bids from construction companies seeking to win the contract, which later had to be revised due to escalating costs. Initially, the Bangladesh government faced difficulties in managing the budget, a situation exacerbated by fluctuating economic conditions. The political and economic challenges in Pakistan, including its economic crisis and dependence on external financial assistance, such as the IMF and World Bank, compounded the issues. Despite these difficulties, the construction work gained momentum in recent years, and significant progress has been made.

The mission complex is now about 75% complete, with the government targeting June 30, 2025, for final completion. Sources in Dhaka and Islamabad noted that the construction had gained significant pace recently, thanks to revised budgeting and better management.

Bangladesh's decision to expand its diplomatic infrastructure globally is a strategic move to strengthen its international presence. In recent years, the Bangladesh government has taken steps to build mission complexes in other key cities around the world, including Bandar Seri Begawan, Berlin, Thimphu, Canberra, Jeddah, and Riyadh. These projects are crucial for enhancing Bangladesh’s diplomatic and economic engagements on the global stage.

As of February 2025, Bangladesh has already spent 83.32 crore taka on the Islamabad mission complex, with an additional 25.38 crore taka allocated for the fiscal year 2024-25 to ensure timely completion. Despite the substantial investment, the government is optimistic that the completion of the Islamabad mission complex will serve as a cornerstone in the country's diplomatic strategy.

Other mission projects are also ongoing, albeit at varying stages of completion. For example, the construction of the Bangladesh chancery complex in Berlin, with an estimated cost of 169.71 crore taka, has made 28.75% progress as of February 2025. The project in Berlin is expected to be completed by June 30, 2026. Similarly, the Bangladesh House in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which began construction in 2019, is scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2026. The project cost for the Riyadh mission stands at 45 crore taka.

The Bangladesh chancery complex in Canberra, Australia, with a project cost of 146.87 crore taka, has seen minimal progress, with only 4.41% of the project completed as of February 2025. The construction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is also progressing slowly, with just 1.32% of the project completed. The Bangladesh government has set ambitious timelines for these projects, hoping to complete them within the next few years.

While these mission-building projects are essential to Bangladesh’s diplomatic growth, they have faced several challenges, including fluctuating construction costs, political shifts, and global economic instability. The fluctuating value of currencies, particularly the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee and economic instability in other parts of the world, has significantly affected the progress and costs of these projects.

In addition, the government has had to contend with the slow pace of bureaucratic procedures and changes in political leadership that have delayed project approvals and budget allocations. Nevertheless, Bangladesh’s long-term strategic focus on strengthening its diplomatic presence abroad remains a key priority for the current administration.

The Bangladesh mission complex in Islamabad, once completed, will not only serve as a symbol of Bangladesh's growing diplomatic influence but also strengthen the bonds between the two countries. With the international community continuing to navigate complex geopolitical issues, the Bangladesh government remains committed to enhancing its presence globally, with these diplomatic missions acting as pivotal assets in furthering the country's foreign policy goals.

The construction of the Bangladesh mission complex in Islamabad is a testament to the country's determination to build stronger diplomatic ties with key nations. Although the project has faced significant hurdles along the way, its eventual completion will mark a milestone in Bangladesh's foreign relations and its evolving role on the global stage. As the project nears its final stages, the government hopes that it will provide a lasting foundation for future diplomatic efforts, further solidifying Bangladesh’s standing as a growing player in international relations.