Bangladesh–Syria relations
Bilateral relations
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bangladesh–Syria relations refer to the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Syria.[1] Syria is accredited to Bangladesh from its embassy in New Delhi. Bangladesh has an consulate-general in Damascus.[2]
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History
Syria opposed Indian interference in the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, describing it as an internal matter of Pakistan.[3] Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 September 1973.[4] Bangladesh exported jute products worth over 1 billion taka to Syrian per year between 2012 and 2013.[5]
Syrian war
Bangladesh's foreign ministry condemned the use of chemical weapons "by any party under any circumstances" after a chemical attack in Syria on 2013.[6] It has called for the conflict to be ended through "diplomatic and peaceful means".[7]
A few Bangladeshis have also joined the Islamic State militant group in Syria.[8][9] A number of British-Bangladeshi including entire families have joined the Islamic State as well.[10][11] Tamim Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi-Canadian who fought in Syria would become the head of the Islamic State unit in Bangladesh.[12] In 2015 and 2016, Bangladeshi women were trafficked to Syria where they were forced to work as sex workers and as slave labor.[13][14] The women were promised jobs as maids in Lebanon.[15] In 2016, the Government of Bangladesh issued an advisory against travelling to Syria.[16]
On the resolution of the conflict in Syria, a Bangladeshi government official said that "In the current context, a neutral position does not always satisfy all parties." Another government official added: "We support peace. We want a peaceful solution to the situation, thanks to which Syria will retain its sovereignty."[17]
On 10 February 2023, the Government of Bangladesh has sent relief to the victims of the recent earthquake in Syria.[18]