Ireland has renewed commitment to Bangladesh's prosperity: Ambassador Kelly | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Friday
June 13, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2025
Ireland has renewed commitment to Bangladesh's prosperity: Ambassador Kelly

Bangladesh

UNB
28 May, 2024, 06:55 pm
Last modified: 28 May, 2024, 06:57 pm

Related News

  • Air India plane crash: Dr couple's plan for brighter future burnt to ashes
  • Asset recovery is main focus of CA’s London tour: Alam
  • Prof Yunus receives prestigious 'King Charles III Harmony Award 2025'
  • Killers of Jamaat leaders must be punished: ATM Azharul Islam
  • Lengthy legal road ahead to repatriate Saifuzzaman's wealth from UK

Ireland has renewed commitment to Bangladesh's prosperity: Ambassador Kelly

Bangladesh is situated between two colossal markets in this region between India and China, and they see it as a “crucial gateway” to ASEAN, he says

UNB
28 May, 2024, 06:55 pm
Last modified: 28 May, 2024, 06:57 pm
Irish Ambassador to Bangladesh and India Kevin Kelly delivering his keynote speech at a roundtable discussion in Dhaka as part of Cosmos Dialogue on 28 May. Photo: UNB
Irish Ambassador to Bangladesh and India Kevin Kelly delivering his keynote speech at a roundtable discussion in Dhaka as part of Cosmos Dialogue on 28 May. Photo: UNB

Ireland had a renewed commitment to Bangladesh with a new Asia Pacific strategy that was launched last year, Ambassador to Bangladesh and India Kevin Kelly said today (28 May).

"The significance and sustained economic growth which we have seen in Bangladesh must be applauded. We are very interested in understanding more about your economic model. Bangladesh in many ways, we see, is standing as an example of what can be achieved by hard work and strategic planning," he said while delivering his keynote speech at a roundtable discussion in Dhaka as part of Cosmos Dialogue.

The ambassador, who submitted his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday, said Bangladesh is situated between two colossal markets in this region between India and China, and they see it as a "crucial gateway" to ASEAN, much as they see Ireland as being a very good gateway for Bangladesh into the European Union market.

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

On easing visas for Bangladeshis, the ambassador said with Masud Khan, Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh and his team they are going to look into the issue. "That's a commitment. We are going to do that. Definitely that's on our agenda. We are working with Masud and his team."

Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, hosted the discussion titled "Bangladesh-Ireland Relations: Prognosis for the Future."

The session was chaired by Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, a renowned scholar-diplomat and former advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker Government while Masud Khan, Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh delivered welcome remarks.

Lailufar Yasmin, professor, Department of International Relations, Dhaka University and Parvez Karim Abbasi, assistant professor, Department of Economics, East West University spoke as discussants. Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan delivered closing remarks.

On the global matrix today, Dr Iftekhar Chowdhury said, Ireland has established itself as a state actor and he expressed his optimism that Ireland will help shape the European policy in a way so as to use them for Bangladesh in the aftermath of the LDC graduation.

The foreign affairs expert said both Bangladeshis and Irish are bonded by strong values, including a passion for freedom.

Both the Bengalis and Irish struggled for decades in achieving their sovereign identities, Dr Chowdhury said.

A second shared value is the desire and the ability to express individual and societal emotions through the medium of literature, he mentioned.

Masud Khan said indeed, both sides have been able to identify the areas in which potential cooperation between Bangladesh and Ireland could deepen.

"I would add to this list sports, in particular cricket. This is an activity which engages both the youth and adults of both countries, in one way or another. As the Honorary consul of Bangladesh, I shall make every possible effort to contribute to these efforts," he said.

Masud said this year has been a remarkable one in terms of bilateral relations with a "successful" ministerial visit from Ireland to Bangladesh, a very rewarding courtesy meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Thereafter, earlier this month, Bangladesh and Ireland held their first ever Foreign Office Consultations in Dublin.

Enayetullah Khan said he is absolutely persuaded that there is a great deal that Bangladesh and Ireland can achieve by working together.

"A good beginning has been made by the establishment of a Consulate in Dhaka. Already some benefits are coming to light. Public interest in Ireland has been growing in Bangladesh. The first ever foreign office consultations between the two sides held in Dublin recently was yet another milestone along our journey of bilateral cooperation," he said.

As an important member of the European Union, Khan said, he has no doubt that Ireland will render Bangladesh every support in smoothening Bangladesh's transition to a post LDC -phase of development.

He said Ireland can take pride in its excellent citadels of learning in their universities which will continue to attract Bangladeshi students.

Ambassador Kelly said one has to admit that the current economic ties between Bangladesh and Ireland are too small with just over 540 million euros in bilateral trade per annum.

"That's the figure we have from last year. But the good news is that figure is on an upward trajectory, and we believe that those figures can be greatly increased," he said, adding that they support Bangladesh's efforts to diversify goods and services trade beyond the traditional predominance of readymade garments.

The ambassador referred to the recent opening of the Honorary Consul in Dhaka and said, "It gives me great pride to see the Irish flag. It's a small start but it is an indication of our growing commitment to Bangladesh."

About renewing their commitment to engage with the region wider than China, he said, "I think in the past, there's an acknowledgement that perhaps a huge amount of our focus in the wider Asia Pacific region went to China. And now there is a real attempt to rebalance that and to look to other countries such as Bangladesh. I won't go through the details of that strategy. But there are over 100 different actions, opening up whole new areas for collaboration, people to people links, economic and political ties."

The ambassador said their trade policy plays a very important role in promoting their values and standards, including the positive contribution that trade and investments can make to sustainable development.

"We managed to attract a huge amount of international multi multinational investment. One of our greatest assets is our highly skilled, educated, and increasingly multicultural population. It's also one of the youngest in Europe. We have one of the best education systems in the world," said the Irish envoy.

Mentioning that the Irish dairy sector has enjoyed strong exports to Bangladesh in recent years, the envoy said they are open to exploring further areas for economic engagement with Bangladesh.

Ambassador Kelly said they would like to be a friend for Bangladesh. "I'm encouraged to see that the relations between the EU and Bangladesh are growing ever stronger."

He said they support the negotiations and the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between Bangladesh and the EU.

"We know that'll recast a much more modern relationship in terms of political and trade engagement, moving away from aid. We also see real potential in the Global Gateway Initiative, which aims to support climate action and renewable energy projects in Bangladesh," said the ambassador.

He said they support the graduation of Bangladesh to the GSP plus scheme and Ireland is supportive of measures to minimise any economic shocks that may arise from graduation.

The envoy said they are committed to the collective response to this long running humanitarian catastrophe – the Rohingya crisis.

Prof Lailufar Yasmin said Island comes into play being the wealthiest country within the European Union and it has a lot to offer for Bangladesh.

She laid emphasis on people to people contact as they are talking about academic collaboration.

Talking about skilled migration, Prof Lailufar said, "We can have dual degree programs. And these dual degrees will work in Ireland and in many other countries, where there is a real shortfall of educated and skilled sort of graduates."

Prof Abbasi said Ireland can get a steady supply of skilled IT professionals as the country has at least 600,000 IT professionals. "So Ireland being the hub of the IT sector, we could actually engage with them."

He also talked about the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Free Trade Agreement issues.

"This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship as was the final line of the movie Casablanca. So let us take time to nurture this. And again, only good things will result," he added.

Top News

ireland / Irish Ambassador Kevin Kelly / Bangladesh

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Infographics: TBS
    Lengthy legal road ahead to repatriate Saifuzzaman's wealth from UK
  • From fact-checker to fact-checked: CA Press Wing’s turn in the hot seat
    From fact-checker to fact-checked: CA Press Wing’s turn in the hot seat
  • Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner showing part of its registration "VT-ANB" in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Amit Dave
    Air India Dreamliner crashes into Ahmedabad college hostel, kills over 290

MOST VIEWED

  • Keir Starmer declines to meet CA Yunus: FT report
    Keir Starmer declines to meet CA Yunus: FT report
  • Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner showing part of its registration "VT-ANB" in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Amit Dave
    Air India Dreamliner crashes into Ahmedabad college hostel, kills over 290
  • Saifuzzaman Chowdhury. Photo: Collected
    UK crime agency now freezes assets of ex-land minister Saifuzzaman: AJ
  • File Photo of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus: UNB
    Prof Yunus to receive Harmony Award from King Charles today
  • Infofgraphics: TBS
    DGHS issues 11-point directive to prevent spread of Covid-19 in Bangladesh
  • Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur. TBS Sketch
    Bangladesh mulls settlements with tycoons over offshore wealth: BB governor tells FT

Related News

  • Air India plane crash: Dr couple's plan for brighter future burnt to ashes
  • Asset recovery is main focus of CA’s London tour: Alam
  • Prof Yunus receives prestigious 'King Charles III Harmony Award 2025'
  • Killers of Jamaat leaders must be punished: ATM Azharul Islam
  • Lengthy legal road ahead to repatriate Saifuzzaman's wealth from UK

Features

Among pet birds in the country, lovebirds are the most common, and they are also the most numerous in the haat. Photo: Junayet Rashel

Where feathers meet fortune: How a small pigeon stall became Dhaka’s premiere bird market

1d | Panorama
Illustration: Duniya Jahan/ TBS

Forget Katy Perry, here’s Bangladesh’s Ruthba Yasmin shooting for the moon

2d | Features
File photo of Eid holidaymakers returning to the capital from their country homes/Rajib Dhar

Dhaka: The city we never want to return to, but always do

3d | Features
Photo collage shows political posters in Bagerhat. Photos: Jannatul Naym Pieal

From Sheikh Dynasty to sibling rivalry: Bagerhat signals a turning tide in local politics

5d | Bangladesh

More Videos from TBS

Banks' estimates were wrong: Bangladesh Bank spokesperson

Banks' estimates were wrong: Bangladesh Bank spokesperson

7h | Podcast
What exactly happened to the ill-fated Boeing aircraft?

What exactly happened to the ill-fated Boeing aircraft?

8h | TBS World
Govt to set up Debt Office as loan burden to hit Tk29 lakh cr by FY28

Govt to set up Debt Office as loan burden to hit Tk29 lakh cr by FY28

8h | TBS Insight
Curfew imposed for second night in Los Angeles

Curfew imposed for second night in Los Angeles

9h | TBS World
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net