In this exclusive interview with Kristian Harrison, His Excellency Md. Rais Hasan Sarower, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Bahrain, reflects on a distinguished career that includes postings in Turkey, Malaysia, Italy and the UAE; and discusses the current state of relations between the two nations.

As the new Ambassador of Bangladesh to Bahrain, what are your key diplomatic priorities during your tenure?
Before I begin, I would like to express my utmost respect and greetings to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince & Prime Minister, and the people of Bahrain for their warm hospitality.

My foremost priority is to elevate the already strong bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Bahrain. This includes intensifying collaboration across trade, investment and cultural exchange. A key focus will be on enhancing the welfare and image of the Bangladeshi community in Bahrain.

I believe in building both professional and personal relationships. I aim to strengthen institutional linkages and finalise pending bilateral instruments to create a robust framework for future cooperation.

How do you plan to enhance bilateral relations, particularly in trade, labour and culture?
Today, Bangladesh’s GDP is the 35th largest in the world in nominal terms (nearly USD 470 billion), and 25th largest by purchasing power parity (USD 1.8 trillion) according to the latest statistics from the IMF. Our GDP has been witnessing a steady growth of 4-5% each year, and our exports have been between USD 40 and 50 billion for the past few years, with RMG being one of the main contributors. We have witnessed a significant growth in our international trade over the past decade. Our major trading partners include many European countries, US, China, India, and increasingly, countries in the Middle East.

Trade between Bangladesh and Bahrain is estimated at around USD50 million. However, there is potential for growth since Bahrain imports nearly all goods and Bangladesh’s international trade has grown significantly.

We want to diversify our export basket and increase trade volume through business-to-business engagements and addressing trade barriers. Bangladesh is well positioned to meet the needs of the Bahraini market and neighbouring countries. Also, Bahrain’s FTA with the US presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to use Bahrain as a route to the American market.

Our economy has demonstrated sustained growth in recent years, thereby fostering a favourable environment for both import and export activities. We are particularly proud of our growing RMG sector, which is still the second largest in the world. We remain optimistic about the prospect of achieving the top global ranking in RMG, especially considering the current trade dynamics, including the imposition of high tariffs on China by the US, a nation that is one of our largest importers of RMG and textiles. Moreover, our growing agricultural and pharmaceutical industries are also ripe for collaboration. We are global exporters of various agricultural goods and pharmaceutical products, and we are very keen to begin exporting them to Bahrain as well.

On labour, we will continue to work with Bahraini authorities to ensure the well-being and fair treatment of our workforce. Once the market reopens, our honest, skilled workers can contribute significantly to both nations’ economies.  Our total population exceeds 170 million with over one-third being the youth. We are taking great measures to enhance the skills and development of our youth to ensure that they are well-prepared for the evolving global job market, encourage innovation, and actively contribute to the nation’s sustained economic growth and prosperity.

For cultural exchange, we plan to showcase Bangladesh’s heritage through events, collaborations with Bahraini institutions and support for our community’s cultural presence. We are also exploring joint initiatives in the fields of art, literature and heritage preservation.

What initiatives will the Embassy take to support the Bangladeshi community in Bahrain?
With about 138,000 Bangladeshis in Bahrain, we are the second largest expat community here. The Embassy is committed to providing consular and welfare support through mobile camps and regular Open Houses.

We aim to foster community spirit, encourage integration into Bahraini society, and advocate for rights and well-being. Ongoing awareness programmes ensure that our community is well-informed. We also provide free medical care and legal counselling through key partners.

We are exploring new ways to enhance support, including partnerships with NGOs and community groups to offer a broader assistance network. We also plan to launch initiatives that promote language learning, vocational training and social cohesion.

What strategies are in place to attract Bahraini investment into Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is focused on creating an investor-friendly environment. The government is streamlining processes to support foreign ventures.

Our priority is to create a clear pathway for Bahraini investment by showcasing Bangladesh’s economy, location and policies. Sectors like garments, textiles, pharmaceuticals, ICT and agriculture are strong opportunities.

I plan to work closely with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Bahrain Economic Development Board to foster business links and joint ventures. This includes trade fairs, seminars, high-level visits and detailed investment information.

Our aim is not just to attract capital but also to foster technology transfer, sustainable practices and long-term business partnerships that benefit both nations.

Are there any planned high-level visits or agreements you can share?
We aim to boost trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange. More bilateral visits would strengthen ties.
Our first Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) took place in Manama on 20 November 2022. It was productive and we look forward to hosting the second round in Dhaka. Several bilateral instruments are in the pipeline, including MoUs and agreements on visa exemptions for diplomats, bilateral cooperation commissions, trade, defence, civil service, manpower, and cultural exchange. We hope to sign a few of these during the second FOC.

These visits not only symbolise our commitment to diplomacy but also serve as a platform for new partnerships and mutual understanding.

What message would you like to convey to the Bangladeshi community and your Bahraini counterparts?
To my fellow Bangladeshis: I commend your hard work, which contributes to both Bangladesh and Bahrain. Please use proper channels to remit money, respect local laws, and act as proud ambassadors of our nation. The Embassy is here for you.

To our Bahraini friends and colleagues: thank you for your warm welcome. I am committed to strengthening our friendship and working together for prosperity, development and mutual benefit.

Let us continue to build a bridge of cooperation, trust and mutual respect.

May the brotherhood and friendship between Bangladesh and Bahrain live long!

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