After 40 Years, Argentina Set to Reopen Embassy in Bangladesh
Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Abdul Momen with Argentine Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero Santiago Cafiero/TwitterAfter a gap of nearly four decades, Argentina is set to reopen its embassy in Bangladesh. This decision was likely an act of mutual appreciation following Bangladesh's enthusiastic support of Argentina's football team in the World Cup held in Qatar last year.
Argentina's Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero will soon embark on a trip to Dhaka in order to solidify details for the reestablishment of their diplomatic ties. This announcement came following a meeting between Cafiero and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Abul Kalam Abdul Momen, in August. Both stand by the potential for strengthened trade relations between the two countries, with Argentine exports to Bangladesh reaching a historic high of US$ 876 million in 2020.
The enthusiasm behind Argentina-Bangladesh relations has roots in both countries' shared experience of British imperialism. In 1942, Prime Minister Winston Churchill imposed a trade embargo on Bangladesh as part of the larger conflicts of World War II, a move that resulted in the 1943 Bengal famine and the death of three million people. This has led to ongoing resentment toward the UK among Bangladeshis, and many have taken a keen interest in the Argentine national football squad.
The Hand of God incident of 1986 and Maradona's famous Goal of the Century against Britain has been particularly memorable to supporters, with Argentinian victories in international football often bringing joy and display of pride in Dhaka much greater than those seen in Buenos Aires.
Thousands of Bangladeshi supporters have descended upon Qatar to show their support for the Latin American nation during the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Cheering and applauding as Argentina's star player Lionel Messi made his way onto the pitch, the Bangladeshi fans have been praised by Argentine fans for their enthusiasm and loyalty. Fans from both sides united in cheers for the Bangladesh cricket team, drawing attention for the rest of the tournament. Thousands of Bangladeshi supporters have descended upon Qatar to show their support for the Latin American nation during the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
Cheering and applauding as Argentina's star player Lionel Messi made his way onto the pitch, the Bangladeshi fans have been praised by Argentine fans for their enthusiasm and loyalty. Fans from both sides united in cheers for the Bangladesh cricket team, drawing attention from the rest of the tournament.