A delegation of top Bangladeshi Ulema-e-Karam, who are visiting the Afghan capital Kabul, held a courtesy call on the country's Foreign Minister Maulana Amir Khan Muttaki. The meeting, held at the headquarters of the Afghan Foreign Ministry on Saturday (September 20), discussed the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, expansion of trade and commerce, and strengthening mutual relations between the Ulema community.

The Bangladeshi Ulema delegation included Madhupur Pir Maulana Abdul Hamid, Maulana Abdul Haq, Maulana Abdul Awal, Maulana Mamunul Haq, Maulana Monir Hossain Qasemi, Maulana Mahbubullah Qasemi, and Mufti Muhammad Hidayatullah. The visit was organized and managed by the UK-based organization Prosper Afghanistan, which is working with scholars, doctors, and experts from different countries to promote solidarity and development in post-war Afghanistan.

Afghan Foreign Minister Maulana Amir Khan Muttaki welcomed the Bangladeshi delegation at the meeting and said that Afghanistan has business opportunities in many sectors, including cotton, carpets, dried fruits, and marble. He said that a delegation of Bangladeshi businessmen will visit Kabul on September 30. He expressed hope that bilateral trade will become easier and more prosperous if Bangladesh establishes formal diplomatic relations.

Regarding diplomatic relations, the Afghan minister said that Afghanistan already has formal relations with most of the regional countries, but Bangladesh is not yet on that list. He requested the scholars to inform the relevant authorities about this when they return home. The delegation also welcomed the proposal and assured to take action in this regard.

After the discussion, Madhupur Pir Maulana Abdul Hamid said, “This visit has opened the door to new horizons between the two countries. I have long wanted to see how Afghanistan is rebuilding, and now I have got the opportunity to see it firsthand. In addition, getting the opportunity to meet Maulana Amir Khan Muttaki has fulfilled my long-standing desire. We have invited him to participate in the upcoming Khatme Nubuwat Conference in Bangladesh.”

As part of the delegation’s program, they will also meet with government officials, educational institutions, religious organizations, and civil society leaders in Kabul.