CA Heads to Qatar to Boost Dhaka-Doha Economic Ties

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is set to depart for Qatar on Monday evening to attend the Earthna Summit 2025 and hold high-level meetings aimed at boosting Bangladesh-Qatar economic cooperation.

At a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said Prof Yunus will lead a high-profile delegation and participate in a series of official engagements during the four-day visit at the invitation of Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.

The delegation includes senior government advisers, including Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun. They will leave from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 7pm.

Prof Yunus is expected to meet both the Amir of Qatar and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed, with discussions covering energy cooperation—particularly in LNG imports—trade, investment, and visa-related issues.

A key event during the visit is the Qatar-Bangladesh Investment Summit on April 23, where Dhaka expects positive outcomes in attracting foreign investments. Bangladesh will also participate in a major side event focused on the Rohingya crisis, aiming to renew global attention on the issue.

In a first for the country, four national women athletes will join the official delegation—footballers Afida Khandakar and Shaheda Akhter Ripa, and cricketers Sumaiya Akhter and Sharmin Sultana—marking a milestone in Bangladesh's sports diplomacy.

The athletes were invited by the Qatar Foundation through the Chief Adviser’s office. Ahead of the trip, they met Prof Yunus at the Jamuna State Guesthouse, where they expressed their hopes to strengthen sports ties and inspire interest in cricket and women's football in Qatar.

"We’re honored to be part of this historic delegation," said the footballers. “We hope to explore professional training opportunities and extend a friendly match invitation to Qatar’s women’s team.”

Dr Yunus praised the athletes’ determination, calling them "Bangladesh’s sports ambassadors" and encouraging them to share their journeys and promote the nation's progress through sports.

The Earthna Summit, held April 22–23 in Doha under the theme “Building our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation and Traditional Knowledge,” will feature panel discussions, workshops, and networking events. It focuses on sustainable solutions tailored to arid climates, blending tradition and innovation.

Dr Yunus, who continues to champion his vision for a world of "Three Zeros"—zero net carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment—will be among the key voices at the summit.

He is scheduled to return to Dhaka on April 25.