Bangladesh to open new missions in five countries to boost trade, diplomacy

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has proposed establishing new diplomatic missions in five strategic cities to strengthen trade, political ties, and support for Bangladeshi expatriates amid shifting geopolitical and economic realities.

The missions will be set up in Dublin (Ireland), Oslo (Norway), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Frankfurt (Germany), and São Paulo (Brazil), according to ministry sources. 

Officials described the move as a strategic necessity in the context of Bangladesh's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and the evolving global order.

On 2 June, the ministry sent a letter to the Ministry of Finance seeking approval for the creation of new posts and resources to operationalise the missions.

The letter, signed by Assistant Secretary Abu Sumaiya, said a diplomatic presence in these key locations would not only open new economic opportunities but also solidify a future-oriented, multidimensional foreign policy.

For instance, the ministry noted that establishing an embassy in Ireland – a progressive, tech-driven country – could enhance access to IT, healthcare, and higher education sectors.

Norway was identified as a leading nation in global peace, climate finance, and human rights. A strategic partnership there could help Bangladesh gain a stronger voice in global development policy.

In Frankfurt, home to a large Bangladeshi diaspora and Europe's financial hub, the ministry plans to set up a consulate general. This would facilitate consular services and deepen Bangladesh's integration with German trade, investment, and export markets.

A mission in Argentina, a key regional power in Latin America, is expected to boost access for Bangladeshi exports, foster agricultural cooperation, and expand diplomatic presence in the Global South.

Though Bangladesh already has an embassy in Brasília, the lack of a mission in São Paulo – Brazil's commercial capital – has reportedly limited services to expatriates and hindered trade expansion.

The ministry said a permanent diplomatic mission enhances Bangladesh's geopolitical influence, strengthens the confidence of expatriates, and enables more effective representation of national interests in host countries' policy-making.

It added that such efforts also elevate Bangladesh's stature on the global stage and deepen its political, economic, and cultural ties with key regions.

Bangladesh currently maintains 84 diplomatic missions in 60 countries, according to official figures.