Bangladesh seeks Portuguese embassy in Dhaka, direct flights as new envoy takes office

Bangladesh has urged Portugal to open a resident embassy in Dhaka, establish direct air connectivity and strengthen cooperation on migration and trade.

The proposals came as Bangladesh's new ambassador to Portugal, Dr SM Kamrul Hassan, presented his credentials to the Portuguese president at Belém Palace in Lisbon on Monday.

Hassan formally assumed his diplomatic responsibilities following the ceremony on October 19, according to a press release issued by the Bangladesh embassy in Lisbon.

During his meeting with the Portuguese president, the ambassador conveyed greetings from Bangladesh's president and prime minister.

He stressed that a Portuguese diplomatic mission in Dhaka would strengthen bilateral engagement and institutional cooperation.

Bangladesh opened its resident embassy in Lisbon in 2012. Portugal continues to cover Bangladesh through its embassy in New Delhi.

Dr Hassan also called for implementing the bilateral mobility framework to facilitate regular and orderly migration.

He proposed direct flights between the two countries to strengthen people-to-people exchanges.

Trade was another priority.

The ambassador called for measures to address the bilateral trade imbalance and expand economic cooperation.

According to the latest available UN Comtrade figures, Bangladesh and Portugal recorded $143.33 million in merchandise trade in 2025. Bangladesh exported goods worth $133.42 million to Portugal, while importing just $9.91 million.

Ready-made garments dominated Bangladesh's exports, with knitted and non-knitted apparel accounting for approximately $117.6 million. Fish and seafood contributed another $10.21 million.

Portugal's main exports to Bangladesh included pharmaceuticals, machinery and man-made fibres.

The Portuguese president acknowledged the contribution of Bangladeshis living in Portugal and stressed their integration into Portuguese society.

Both sides also discussed expanding cooperation in maritime affairs, renewable energy, information and communication technology, investment and trade.

Bangladesh and Portugal have maintained diplomatic relations since 1974, when Lisbon recognised Bangladesh.

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