Bangladesh–Portugal relations

Bangladesh–Portugal relations refer to the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Portugal. Bangladesh opened an embassy in Lisbon in 2012 and appointed its first ambassador to Portugal the following year.[1][2] Portugal has a non-resident ambassador in New Delhi, India.

Bangladesh-Portugal relations
Map indicating locations of Bangladesh and Portugal

Bangladesh

Portugal

History

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The Bengal Sultanate, shown as the Ganges Delta, in the Portuguese Miller Atlas map from 1519
 
"People of the Kingdom of Bengal", 16th-century Portuguese illustration

Following Vasco Da Gama's landing in southern India, Portuguese traders from Malacca, Ceylon and Bombay began traversing the sea routes of the Bay of Bengal. In the early 16th century, the Bengal Sultanate received official Portuguese envoys.[3] The Sultan gave permission for the establishment of the Portuguese settlement in Chittagong, making it the first European exclave in Bengal. Bengal was identified by the traders as "the richest country to trade with".[4] They had many trade posts in Bengal and used to control the thriving sea port at Chittagong. After subsequent wars against the Arakans and the Mughals, the Portuguese lost their control over Chittagong in the 17th century.[5] However, their descendants still live in the old parts of the city. The Portuguese missionaries laid the foundation for Christianity in Bangladesh.

High level visits

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The Bangladesh foreign minister paid an official visit to Lisbon in 2010.[6]

Economic cooperation

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Bangladesh and Portugal have shown their deep interest to expand the bilateral economic activities between the two countries and have been taking necessary steps in this regard.[7] In 2010, the two countries signed an agreement on avoidance of double taxation.[8] Both countries have emphasized on the necessity of interaction between the business communities of the two countries through exchange of business delegations.[9]

Bangladeshi diaspora in Portugal

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As of 2012, there are about 15,000 Bangladeshi expatriates working in Portugal.[10]

Resident diplomatic missions

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  • Bangladesh has an embassy in Lisbon.
  • Portugal is accredited to Bangladesh from its embassy in New Delhi, India.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Portugal (Lisbon)". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Archived from the original on 29 June 2017. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  2. ^ Shibli, Abdullah (7 December 2014). "Bangladeshi small businessmen in Portugal". The Daily Star. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  3. ^ "Portuguese, The". Banglapedia. Archived from the original on 1 April 2017.
  4. ^ Nanda, J. N (2005). Bengal: the unique state. Concept Publishing Company. p. 10. 2005. ISBN 978-81-8069-149-2. Bengal [...] was rich in the production and export of grain, salt, fruit, liquors and wines, precious metals and ornaments besides the output of its handlooms in silk and cotton. Europe referred to Bengal as the richest country to trade with.
  5. ^ Ray, Aniruddha (2012). "Portuguese, The". In Islam, Sirajul; Jamal, Ahmed A. (eds.). Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Second ed.). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.
  6. ^ "Portugal urged to support Dhaka's cause within EU". The Independent. Archived from the original on 25 February 2014. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  7. ^ "Press remains free under emergency". The Daily Star. Archived from the original on 26 February 2014. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  8. ^ "Bangladesh-Portugal agree to avoid double taxation". Bangladesh Business News. Archived from the original on 26 February 2014. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  9. ^ "Bangladesh to open mission in Lisbon". The Daily Star. Archived from the original on 26 February 2014. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  10. ^ "President for opening new missions in potentials countries". Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha. Archived from the original on 26 February 2014. Retrieved 22 February 2014.