Bangladesh–Syria relations

Bangladesh–Syria relations refer to the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Syria.[1] Syria is accredited to Bangladesh from its embassy in New Delhi. Bangladesh has an consulate-general in Damascus.[2]

Bangladesh-Syria relations
Map indicating locations of Bangladesh and Syria

Bangladesh

Syria

History

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Syria opposed Indian interference in the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, describing it as an internal matter of Pakistan.[3] Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 September 1973.[4] Bangladesh exported jute products worth over 1 billion taka to Syrian per year between 2012 and 2013.[5]

Syrian war

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Bangladesh's foreign ministry condemned the use of chemical weapons "by any party under any circumstances" after a chemical attack in Syria on 2013.[6] It has called for the conflict to be ended through "diplomatic and peaceful means".[7]

A few Bangladeshis have also joined the Islamic State militant group in Syria.[8][9] A number of British-Bangladeshi including entire families have joined the Islamic State as well.[10][11] Tamim Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi-Canadian who fought in Syria would become the head of the Islamic State unit in Bangladesh.[12] In 2015 and 2016, Bangladeshi women were trafficked to Syria where they were forced to work as sex workers and as slave labor.[13][14] The women were promised jobs as maids in Lebanon.[15] In 2016, the Government of Bangladesh issued an advisory against travelling to Syria.[16]

On the resolution of the conflict in Syria, a Bangladeshi government official said that "In the current context, a neutral position does not always satisfy all parties." Another government official added: "We support peace. We want a peaceful solution to the situation, thanks to which Syria will retain its sovereignty."[17]

On 10 February 2023, the Government of Bangladesh has sent relief to the victims of the recent earthquake in Syria.[18]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Dhaka to take position on IS and Syria cautiously". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
  2. ^ "Mikdad receives credentials of Subhani as a non-resident Ambassador of Bangladesh". SANA. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
  3. ^ Ward, Richard Edmund (1992). India's Pro-Arab Policy: A Study in Continuity. Greenwood Publishing Group. pp. 80–81. ISBN 978-0-275-94086-7.
  4. ^ ARR: Arab Report and Record. Economic Features, Limited. 1973. p. 11.
  5. ^ "Bangladesh To Export Jute Goods To Syria". Bangladesh Awami League. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  6. ^ Bhaumik, Subir. "South Asian nations oppose US strike in Syria". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  7. ^ "Dhaka for quick resolution of Syria crisis". The Daily Star. 31 August 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  8. ^ "Air strikes kill 'Bangladeshi militant' in Syria". The Daily Star. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  9. ^ "IS tricked Bangladesh origin UK family into Syria: Son". The Daily Star. 11 July 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  10. ^ "Bangladeshi family of 12 'may have gone to Syria'". The Daily Star. 2 July 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  11. ^ "Why do British-Bangladeshi women join IS in Syria?". The Daily Star. 30 January 2016. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  12. ^ "Searching for the shadowy Canadian leader of ISIS in Bangladesh". The Daily Star (Opinion). 9 August 2016. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  13. ^ "Women trafficked to Syria". The Daily Star. 24 February 2016. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  14. ^ "She breaks into tears while narrating torture on her in Syria". The Daily Star. 11 March 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  15. ^ "Bangladeshi women trafficked to war-torn Syria as sex slaves, maids". Reuters. 1 March 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  16. ^ "Govt strongly advises against Syria tour". The Daily Star. 13 March 2016. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  17. ^ "Bangladesh observing Russia - US stance on Syria issue". Dhaka Tribune. 2018-04-18. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
  18. ^ "Bangladeshi relief team leaves for quake-hit Syria". Dhaka Tribune.