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Published : 21 Jan 2026, 12:07 AM
Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister for Industry and Commerce Maulvi Ahmadullah Zahid is visiting Dhaka, marking the first minister-level visit by a member of the Taliban-led government to Bangladesh.
The visit coincides with the Dhaka International Trade Fair, where the Afghan deputy minister is also holding meetings with Bangladeshi officials to explore trade and investment opportunities.
On Monday, Zahid visited the trade fair alongside Export Promotion Bureau Vice-Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif and toured the official exhibition area.
The event was attended by Bangladeshi government officials, chamber representatives, local business leaders, and members of the Afghan delegation.
The Afghan team visited Bangladeshi booths showcasing pharmaceuticals, textiles and industrial products and praised the quality and organisation of the exhibits.
In a statement on Tuesday, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Commerce said both countries had agreed to upgrade their relations “from a friendly level to a practical economic partnership, in order to increase trade volume, strengthen mutual trust, and create tangible economic benefits for both nations”.
Earlier, the Afghan delegation met Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman on Sunday and held talks with Hasan Arif on Monday.
According to the Afghan commerce ministry, the meetings focused on expanding bilateral trade, with Bangladesh expressing readiness to export quality medicines and medical products to Afghanistan on a regular and long-term basis, citing its internationally compliant pharmaceutical sector.
The Afghan side described such cooperation as important for meeting the country’s healthcare needs and noted that the two economies could complement each other.
Discussions were also held on business-to-business engagement, joint trade meetings, and official cooperation.
The deputy minister is scheduled to visit Square Pharmaceuticals and Renata Pharmaceuticals on Wednesday as part of the tour.
