Bangladesh establishes formal diplomatic ties with Grenada

Abida Islam, Bangladesh High Commissioner and Rachér Croney, Grenada High Commissioner to the UK signed a declaration Thursday marking the official start of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Dhaka, Feb 6 - Bangladesh has formally established diplomatic relations with Caribbean nation Grenada through the signing of a joint declaration at the Bangladesh High Commission in London.

The joint declaration was signed on Thursday afternoon by Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Abida Islam and Grenada’s High Commissioner to the UK Rachér Croney, marking the official start of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Abida Islam, Bangladesh High Commissioner and Rachér Croney, Grenada High Commissioner to the UK signed a declaration Thursday marking the official start of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Both Bangladesh and Grenada became members of the United Nations on September 17, 1974. Although various contacts and exchanges took place over the years, no formal diplomatic relations had been established until now.

Speaking at the ceremony, High Commissioner Abida Islam described the development as a significant and memorable moment in the history of Bangladesh’s foreign relations.

She said the historic step, approved by the Advisory Council led by Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus, signals the beginning of a new chapter in South-South cooperation.

“This is not merely a diplomatic formality; it is a bridge between South Asia and the Caribbean,” Adiba said, adding that the relationship is founded on mutual respect and a shared vision for a fair and just global order.

As fellow members of the Commonwealth, both countries deeply value sovereignty and the resilience required for nation-building, she noted, adding that Bangladesh and Grenada share a unique historical bond.

“We will strengthen our voices together on the international stage,” she said.

The High Commissioner highlighted the potential for building a strong alliance by combining Bangladesh’s global leadership in disaster resilience with Grenada’s influential role among Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

She also said both sides would work jointly to expand trade and industrial cooperation by leveraging Bangladesh’s global capabilities in pharmaceuticals and textiles and Grenada’s strategic position in the Caribbean region.

Abida added that the partnership would further deepen mutual engagement, with both countries remaining steadfast advocates for equitable development and climate justice. 

Grenada’s High Commissioner Racher Croney said both nations, as Commonwealth members, are bound by shared principles of democracy, development, rule of law and multilateral cooperation.

She noted that as developing countries of the Global South, Bangladesh and Grenada face similar challenges, particularly in climate change, sustainable development and economic resilience.

Croney said the establishment of formal diplomatic relations has opened new avenues for cooperation in key areas including trade and investment, education and capacity building and climate action.

He also expressed hope that Bangladesh and Grenada would further strengthen their engagement at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the Commonwealth. - UNB