Bangladesh–Uzbekistan relations

Bangladesh–Uzbekistan relations

Bangladesh	Uzbekistan

Bangladesh–Uzbekistan relations are the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Uzbekistan. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and Uzbekistan’s emergence as an independent nation, both countries began to foster ties in a number of sectors, including trade, education, and regional cooperation. Both countries are members of the Non-Aligned Movement and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

History

Bangladesh officially recognized Uzbekistan’s independence on 30 December 1991. Diplomatic relations were formally established on 15 October 1992. The Embassy of the People's Republic of Bangladesh in Tashkent was opened in March 1996, marking an institutional step in deepening bilateral relations.

High level visits

High-level visits have contributed to the strengthening of these ties. Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov visited Bangladesh in February 1998. Later, in July 2000, Bangladesh’s then Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad paid an official visit to Uzbekistan. In April 2018, Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shahriar Alam, visited Uzbekistan, marking the first high-level visit in nearly two decades. During this visit, discussions were held on expanding cooperation and reopening air connectivity.

Economic relations

Bangladesh and Uzbekistan have made continued efforts to deepen their economic ties through intergovernmental mechanisms and high-level visits. In May 2012, the first session of the Uzbek-Bangladesh Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation was held in Tashkent, marking a significant step in institutionalizing economic engagement. A second session took place in Dhaka in April 2014, led by the Uzbek Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Elyor Ganiyev, to further enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and development.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Tashkent organized a business seminar on "Prospects of Business and Economic Cooperation between Bangladesh and Uzbekistan" on April 10, 2018, in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Uzbekistan.

Hon'ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Shahriar Alam, attended as the Guest of Honour and expressed Bangladesh's interest in encouraging Uzbek businessmen to collaborate with their Bangladeshi counterparts.

The seminar included a presentation by Bangladesh's Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Mosud Mannan, discussing business opportunities between the two countries. Additionally, legal aspects of doing business in Uzbekistan were addressed by Zulfiya Islamova, External Affairs Director at S. Verein's legal group.

In January 2018, a high-level delegation from Uzbekistan, headed by First Deputy Minister of Economy Mubin Mirzayev, visited Bangladesh. During the visit, the delegation studied Bangladesh’s successful textile industry, indicating a growing Uzbek interest in adopting Bangladeshi expertise, particularly in textile manufacturing and workforce development.

These engagements reflect both nations’ intent to expand bilateral cooperation in pharmaceuticals, textiles, agriculture, and capacity building, thereby contributing to broader economic collaboration.

In 2025, significant discussions took place regarding the possibility of establishing air connectivity between Bangladesh and Uzbekistan. Bangladesh's Ambassador Mohammad Monirul Islam held a meeting with Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Transport, Choriyev Jasurbek Ergashevich, in Tashkent. During the meeting, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of swiftly signing the proposed Air Services Agreement (ASA) to launch direct flights between Dhaka and Tashkent. He stated that the introduction of Uzbekistan Airways on this route would bring new momentum to bilateral trade, investment, education, culture, and tourism between the two countries.

The Uzbek Deputy Minister confirmed that their government is actively considering the matter and discussed the challenges and potential solutions for its implementation. Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and reaffirmed their pledge to work together in the future.

In 2023, Bangladesh formally requested Uzbekistan to establish direct air connectivity between the two countries and open an Uzbek Diplomatic Mission in Dhaka. The move aims to boost business, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, with a focus on broadening cooperation to include education, employment, and capacity building, alongside the longstanding historical, cultural, and spiritual ties.

This request was discussed during the third round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Uzbekistan, held in Tashkent on June 11, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen led the Bangladesh delegation, while First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Bakhromjon Aloyev, led the Uzbek side. Both countries emphasized the importance of high-level political visits, joint ventures in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, as well as increasing tourism and cultural exchanges.

Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh and the Diplomatic Academy of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy of Uzbekistan. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of consultations in Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

Bilateral trade

In 2019, Uzbekistan expressed strong interest in enhancing bilateral trade with Bangladesh, especially in the textile and pharmaceutical sectors. During a meeting with FBCCI leaders in Dhaka, the Uzbek Ambassador Farhod Arziev emphasized diversifying trade through greater engagement of the private sectors of both countries. He also invited a delegation from FBCCI to visit Uzbekistan to explore trade opportunities. In FY 2018–19, Bangladesh exported $11.5 million worth of goods to Uzbekistan and imported $16.1 million. Major Bangladeshi exports included jute goods, pharmaceuticals, and mechanical appliances, while imports from Uzbekistan primarily consisted of textiles, vegetable products, and chemicals.

In 2022, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan discussed enhancing cooperation in the banking sector to strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties. Bangladesh Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Md Zahangir Alam, met with the Chairman of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, Mamarizo Berdimuratovich Nurmuratov, where they agreed to consider signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the central banks. They also discussed establishing a Relationship Management Agreement (RMA) to address challenges faced by businesses regarding letters of credit (LC) in trade. In addition, Ambassador Alam visited the Navoi Region, where he met with Governor Normat Tulkunovich Tursunov. They discussed potential cooperation in textiles, pharmaceuticals, ICT, and agriculture. The Ambassador also emphasized the importance of resuming direct passenger and cargo flights between the two countries, a suggestion that was welcomed by the governor.

In 2023, Uzbekistan expressed interest in enhancing trade with Bangladesh and proposed joint ventures and improved business interaction. Discussions focused on sectors like tourism, pharmaceuticals, jute goods, and agro-processed products. The Uzbek side emphasized the need for better air connectivity and suggested opening an Uzbek mission in Dhaka to ease visa procedures for businesspeople and tourists. FBCCI President Md. Jashim Uddin emphasized that Bangladesh and Uzbekistan have significant untapped potential in economic collaboration. During a meeting with an Uzbek delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Bakhrom Aloev, both sides highlighted key sectors for cooperation, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and information technology. The FBCCI president noted that bilateral trade reached USD 35.12 million in FY2022 and expressed hope for deeper engagement through mutual investment and trade facilitation. Uzbekistan was encouraged to take advantage of Bangladesh’s economic zones and growing export industries such as pharmaceuticals and ready-made garments.

Bangladesh is looking to boost trade with CIS countries like Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, focusing on sectors such as textiles, agriculture, and contract farming. Although current trade volumes are small, opportunities are growing, especially in textiles and agriculture. Uzbekistan's economy has seen growth, with a 6.2% GDP increase in 2021 due to reforms. Kyrgyzstan, with rich natural resources, also offers potential for expanding trade. Bangladesh can benefit from these countries' liberal foreign investment policies, especially in joint ventures and contract farming. The experience of Uzbekistan’s cotton clusters, combining production and manufacturing, could offer valuable lessons for Bangladesh’s textile sector.

In September 2024, during a meeting in Samarkand, Bangladesh urged Uzbekistan to provide greater market access for Bangladeshi export items such as ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, and jute yarn. The call was made by the Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD), Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, during discussions with Uzbek Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov. Both sides expressed interest in boosting economic ties through the conclusion of pending agreements, including investment protection and avoidance of double taxation. Bangladesh also proposed resuming direct air connectivity between Dhaka and Tashkent to enhance trade and people-to-people contact. Uzbekistan welcomed further cooperation and showed interest in holding trade fairs and exhibitions in Dhaka to promote bilateral commerce.

The Bangladesh-Uzbekistan Business Summit in Tashkent on May 26-27, 2025, aims to boost trade and investment. Trade between Bangladesh and Uzbekistan has strong potential, with prospects to increase exports by five times. Bangladesh can export various products, including textiles, medicines, leather goods, and IT services. Uzbekistan offers a gateway to Central Asia and Eastern Europe for Bangladeshi businesses. In FY22, trade between the two countries was valued at $35.13 million, with Bangladesh exporting $26.33 million in goods. Uzbekistan offers favorable conditions for foreign investors, including low energy costs and easy land access. Direct air connectivity is a key issue, as current travel routes are costly and indirect.

Cultural and educational relations

Although cultural exchanges between Bangladesh and Uzbekistan have remained limited, both countries have expressed interest in enhancing cooperation in the fields of education, culture, and people-to-people contact. Uzbekistan has acknowledged the historical link between the nations, referencing Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s visit to Tashkent in 1973, which laid a symbolic foundation for future cultural understanding.

In the 2018 bilateral dialogue, both governments discussed possibilities of signing cultural exchange programs and promoting academic collaboration between universities and institutions. Uzbekistan showed interest in hosting Bangladeshi students, particularly in fields such as textile engineering and medical sciences, areas in which Bangladesh has growing expertise.

Additionally, the countries have engaged in cultural representation through participation in events organized by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other multilateral forums where Islamic heritage, language, and cultural traditions serve as connecting threads.

In April 2025, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Uzbekistan celebrated two significant national occasions – the Bangla New Year 1432 (Pahela Baishakh) and Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day – with vibrant events in Tashkent.

On 14 April, the Embassy hosted a lively celebration of Pahela Baishakh, marking the first day of the Bengali calendar. The event featured a seminar titled “Bangladesh-Uzbekistan Relations: Prospects and Opportunities for Tourism Collaboration”, which was attended by dignitaries from Uzbekistan's tourism]and hospitality sectors. Bangladesh's Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Mohammad Monirul Islam, highlighted the deep historical, cultural, and[religious connections between the two countries and expressed optimism for expanding tourism and cultural cooperation. The celebration also included traditional Bangladeshi folk dances and performances, with students from the University of Uzbekistan playing kabaddi, Bangladesh's national sport.

On 24 April, the Embassy hosted a reception at the Hyatt Regency Hotel to mark Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day. The event, graced by Uzbek Minister of Sports, Adkham Ikramov, and attended by senior government officials, diplomats, and members of the cultural and business community, celebrated Bangladesh's achievements and enduring friendship with Uzbekistan. Ambassador Islam paid homage to the freedom fighters of 1971 and emphasized Bangladesh's progress in socio-economic fields like poverty reduction, women empowerment, and climate change. He also discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations, particularly in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and education.

Both celebrations highlighted the deepening ties between the peoples of Bangladesh and Uzbekistan, with cultural exchanges and discussions on further cooperation in various fields.