Bangladesh–North Korea relations

North Korea had a resident embassy in Bangladesh.^[1] Bangladesh ambassador to China also represents Bangladesh in North Korea.^[2] In 2012, a North Korean diplomat was fined 2.5 million taka for the possession of illegal wine.^[3] North Korea has a branch of its Pyongyang Restaurant chain in Dhaka. The restaurant is staffed by North Korean personnel and serves North Korean cuisine.^[4] In May 2015, the restaurant manager, a North Korean national was arrested for selling illegal Viagra and alcohol out of the restaurant.^[5] Following a raid at the restaurant, an assistant director of Customs Intelligence called the restaurant "a hub of illicit activities".^[6]

In March 2015, a North Korean diplomat, Son Young-nam, was expelled from Bangladesh after he was caught trying to smuggle 1.7 million dollars' worth of gold, which was seized in the airport.^[7] The North Korean ambassador to Bangladesh apologized after the incident.^[8]

Symantec and BAE Systems had found involvement of North Korea in the 2016 Bangladesh Bank heist through the hacking of the bank.^[9][10] In August 2016, Han Son Ik, first secretary of the North Korean embassy, was expelled for "illegal activities". He was found to be smuggling cigarettes and electronics worth half a million dollars.^[11] In January 2017, a Rolls-Royce Han had bought in Bangladesh was seized by Bangladesh Customs.^[12]

Bangladesh imported $34.8 million worth of goods from North Korea, while North Korea imported $5.31 million worth of goods from Bangladesh in 2002.^[13]