Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today agreed to increase connectivity with Azerbaijan aiming to boost trade and commerce and increase the exchange of scholarship programmes for students. The Chief Adviser also laid emphasis on opening an embassy of Azerbaijan in Dhaka and launching a direct flight between Dhaka and Baku when Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elnur Mammadov met him at the State Guest House Jamuna here this afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Adviser highlighted the importance of establishing direct flights to facilitate educational exchanges, particularly in energy studies for Bangladeshi students and textile studies for Azerbaijani students. He also noted that opening an Azerbaijani embassy in Dhaka would alleviate visa-related challenges, fostering a closer relationship between the two nations.
The meeting centered on enhancing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Azerbaijan, specifically in areas such as trade, investment, energy, education, technology, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges. During the discussions, the Chief Adviser reminisced about his encounter with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev at COP29 in Baku last November and congratulated Azerbaijan for successfully hosting the conference.
Prof Yunus also requested the Azerbaijan deputy foreign minister to relay his gratitude to President Aliyev for dispatching a high-level delegation to Bangladesh, following their meeting in Baku. He encouraged Azerbaijani investors to explore Bangladesh’s economic potential, emphasizing the country’s abundant human resources.
Deputy Minister Mammadov expressed Azerbaijan’s intention to strengthen strategic relations with Bangladesh, especially with the 35th anniversary of Dhaka-Baku diplomatic relations approaching in two years. He also provided insights into Azerbaijan’s ASAN and DOST Models, aimed at reducing corruption and improving public service delivery.
The Chief Adviser showed appreciation for these service models and expressed interest in adapting them in Bangladesh. Additionally, Deputy Minister Mammadov extended an invitation from the President of Azerbaijan to the Chief Adviser for the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization in Azerbaijan in July 2025.