Qatar to take 725 soldiers from Bangladesh: Alam

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said Qatar would take 725 soldiers from Bangladesh as Bangladesh is exploring diverse areas for further strengthening the relations with the gas-rich Gulf kingdom.

Talking to UNB on the sidelines of the Erthana Summit-2025, Alam said Bangladesh can send the soldiers by next two months.

He said there will be efforts to increase the numbers in the future.

Alam said Bangladesh is seeking greater cooperation in the energy sector with Qatar as Bangladesh is seeing an increased number of investors who will need gas.

Since there is a long-term agreement with Qatar on LNG import, Press Secretary Alam said Bangladesh will have a discussion on greater energy sector cooperation.

He said Bangladesh will clear dues worth $37 million within the next couple of days in Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) import bills owed to the Qatar state owned energy giant Qatar Energy LNG.

The Press Secretary said the relationship between Bangladesh and Qatar will further be strengthened in the coming days.

Highlighting Prof Yunus' busy schedule here, Alam said the Chief Adviser highlighted the role of social business, financial inclusion, and microfinance in fostering sustainable development and economic opportunities for marginalized communities while delivering his 20 minutes keynote speech at the Earthna Summit-2025.

He relentlessly devotes his time and energy to inspire people into creating a world of 3 Zeros - zero net carbon emission, zero wealth concentration for ending poverty once for all and zero unemployment by unleashing entrepreneurship in everyone.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, among others, are accompanying the Chief Adviser.

Prof Yunus held a meeting with Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, mother of Amir of the State of Qatar and Chairperson of Qatar Foundation on the sidelines of Earthna Summit.

He also held a meeting with Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Fund For Development.

Prof Yunus held a separate meeting with Nawaf Abdullah Al Hammadi, Assistant CEO for International Operations Sector of Qatar Charity.

Prof Yunus attended the lunch hosted by Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO, Qatar Foundation.

Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs of Qatar will meet the Chief Adviser and will discuss issues of mutual interest.

Al Jazeera has invited the Chief Adviser to its headquarters where they will interview him, his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said.

Acting Managing Director, Director of News, Managers of input and output will receive the Chief Adviser there.

Qatar Foundation media team will also interview Prof Yunus.

In the evening on Tuesday (5:30pm to 6:30pm), Prof Yunus will attend a private business reception in honor of his visit.

He is scheduled to discuss the issues of mutual interest with the leadership of the gas-rich Gulf kingdom.

Bangladesh is eyeing a stronger economic cooperation with Qatar and greater engagement in the energy sector.

The Chief Adviser is paying the visit at the invitation of Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.

Dr Yunus is likely to have meetings with both the Amir of Qatar and the Deputy Prime Minister in addition to other engagements.

He said there will be an investment Summit on April 23 from which Bangladesh expects positive response.

Bangladesh stressed the need for a deepening trade and investment relationship with Qatar.

He said there will be an event on the Rohingya issue where global stakeholders will participate.

Alam hoped that the Rohingya issue would be brought back to global attention as there are efforts from the interim government, reports UNB.