From the Indian Ocean to the UN: Maldives–Bangladesh Lead Together on the Blue Economy

Rabb Majumder

Editor and Publisher of The Security World.

The relationship between Bangladesh and the Maldives is one rooted in shared regional identity, mutual respect, and a growing recognition of the strategic value each nation brings to the other. As both countries navigate the complexities of the Indian Ocean's security landscape, climate vulnerability, and economic aspiration, the bilateral partnership has steadily deepened in scope and substance. It is in this spirit of enduring friendship and forward-looking cooperation that The Security World we have put together a questionnaire for the High Commissioner of the Maldives for an exclusive, wide-ranging interview. In this conversation, the High Commissioner reflects on the historical ties that bind Dhaka and Malé, the expanding horizons of trade and connectivity, and the shared commitment to a free, open, and secure Indian Ocean. He also sheds light on emerging areas of collaboration—from human resource development and healthcare diplomacy to counterterrorism and climate resilience—that are quietly reshaping the bilateral framework. Thoughtful, candid, and deeply informed, the interview offers a rare window into how two South Asian neighbours are reimagining their partnership for a turbulent century. We are pleased to present an excerpt from that exchange below.

Historical Context: How would you assess the evolution of Bangladesh-Maldives relations since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties, and what have been the key milestones in this journey?

Current State of Relations: In the current geopolitical climate, how do you characterize the strength and depth of the bilateral relationship between Male and Dhaka?

High-Level Engagements: Can you share details about any upcoming high-level visits or dialogues planned to further cement the partnership between our two nations?

Bangladesh and the Maldives have enjoyed warm and friendly relations since before the establishment of formal diplomatic ties in 1978. Over the years, the partnership has expanded to encompass trade, healthcare, education, tourism, defence cooperation, human resource development, and people-to-people exchanges, while both countries continue to work closely on shared priorities such as climate change, maritime security, economic resilience, and the blue economy.

Shiuneen Rasheed, High Commissioner of Maldives to Bangladesh.

High-level exchanges have provided renewed momentum to bilateral relations. Earlier this year, His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu visited Bangladesh to attend the inauguration ceremony of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, reaffirming the importance both countries attach to close political engagement. Building on this momentum, the Honourable Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Mr. Khalilur Rahman, is undertaking an official visit to the Maldives on 25 July to review bilateral cooperation, explore new areas of collaboration, and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

2. Regional Security and Maritime Cooperation

Indian Ocean Security: As fellow littoral states in the Indian Ocean, how do you view the current security challenges in the region, including non-traditional threats like piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking?

Collaborative Frameworks: How is Maldives collaborating with Bangladesh within regional frameworks such as SAARC, BIMSTEC, or the Colombo Security Conclave to enhance maritime domain awareness?

Climate Security Nexus: Given that both nations are climate-vulnerable, how do you define the link between climate change and national security, and what joint advocacy efforts are underway?

As fellow Indian Ocean states, the Maldives and Bangladesh share a common interest in preserving peace, security and stability across the region. Both countries recognise that today’s security challenges, including piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing, cyber threats, maritime terrorism and climate-related disasters, cannot be addressed by any one country alone. 

This has strengthened cooperation through regional mechanisms such as SAARC, IORA and the Colombo Security Conclave, where both countries work together to enhance maritime security, counterterrorism, disaster response and the fight against transnational crime.

Climate change is another area where the Maldives and Bangladesh have a strong shared agenda. As two of the countries most vulnerable to its impacts, both face growing risks from rising sea levels, extreme weather events and threats to livelihoods and economic resilience. The Maldives and Bangladesh therefore continue to work closely in international forums to advocate for stronger global climate action, greater access to climate finance, increased investment in adaptation, and enhanced support for climate-vulnerable developing countries.

3. Economic and Trade Cooperation

Trade Volume and Potential: What is the current volume of bilateral trade, and which sectors do you see as having the greatest untapped potential for growth between our business communities?

Investment Opportunities: What incentives or opportunities exist for Bangladeshi investors in the Maldives, particularly in sectors like tourism, fisheries, and infrastructure?

Connectivity: How can improved air and sea connectivity boost people-to-people contact and economic exchange between Male and Dhaka?

Trade between the Maldives and Bangladesh continues to grow, although there is still plenty of room to expand. In 2025, Maldivian exports to Bangladesh were around USD 4.03 million, while imports from Bangladesh stood at USD 8.1 million. I believe we have good potential to increase trade, particularly in fisheries, food security, pharmaceuticals, tourism services, ICT, renewable energy and the blue economy. Closer engagement between our private sectors will be key to unlocking these opportunities.

The Maldives has recently introduced investment reforms, making our business environment more open and investor-friendly. We welcome Bangladeshi investment in sectors such as tourism and hospitality, infrastructure, renewable energy, green technology, fisheries and innovation. There is strong potential for partnerships that benefit businesses in both countries.

Our air connectivity is already in a very good place. Maldivian Airlines resumed direct flights to Dhaka in March 2026 and now operates two flights a week, while US-Bangla Airlines operates five weekly flights. These direct links have strengthened business, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

We are also seeing encouraging growth in the number of Bangladeshi tourists visiting the Maldives, and I believe there is scope to further enhance tourism cooperation between our two countries. Looking ahead, establishing a direct sea freight route would be a real game changer. It would lower transport costs, improve supply chains and make it much easier to expand bilateral trade.

4. Human Resources and Diaspora Engagement

Bangladeshi Expatriate Workforce: How significant is the contribution of the Bangladeshi expatriate workforce to the Maldivian economy, particularly in the tourism and construction sectors?

Welfare and Protection: What measures is the High Commission undertaking to ensure the welfare, fair treatment, and legal protection of Bangladeshi workers residing in the Maldives?

Skill Development: Are there any joint initiatives to enhance skill development and certification for Bangladeshi workers to better meet the demands of the Maldivian labor market?

The Bangladeshi community plays a very important role in the Maldivian economy. They have been part of our development story for many years, particularly in the construction, tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as other essential services. Their hard work and dedication have made a meaningful contribution to the country’s growth, and we truly value their contribution.

The wellbeing of Bangladeshi workers is something we take seriously. The Maldives is committed to ensuring that all expatriate workers are treated fairly and are protected under our labour laws. We work closely with the High Commission of Bangladesh and the relevant authorities to address any concerns, strengthen labour protections and improve working conditions. Our goal is to ensure that workers can live and work in a safe, fair and respectful environment.

As our economy continues to grow, the demand for skilled workers is also increasing. We see strong potential to work more closely with Bangladesh on vocational training, skills development and professional certification so that workers are better equipped to meet the needs of the Maldivian labour market. This is an area where both countries stand to benefit, and we look forward to expanding our cooperation in the years ahead.

5. Climate Change, Sustainability, and Humanitarian Issues

Advocacy on the Global Stage: How are Bangladesh and Maldives working together to amplify the voice of climate-vulnerable nations at international forums like the UNFCCC and COP summits?

Blue Economy: How do you envision the concept of the Blue Economy serving as a sustainable development pathway for both nations, and what joint projects are in place?

Disaster Management: Given the shared vulnerability to cyclones and rising sea levels, what mechanisms exist for cooperation on early warning systems and disaster response?

The Maldives and Bangladesh are natural partners on climate issues. As two of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, we work closely at the UN, the UNFCCC and COP meetings to advocate for stronger climate action, greater access to climate finance and more support for adaptation and resilience. Our voices are stronger when we speak together.

The Blue Economy is an area with enormous potential for both our countries. We can work together on marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, renewable ocean energy, research and sustainable tourism. By sharing knowledge and expertise, we can protect our oceans while creating new economic opportunities.

Climate change affects both our countries in different ways, so there is much we can learn from each other. We see scope for closer cooperation on early warning systems, disaster preparedness, climate adaptation and building more resilient communities.

6. Future Outlook and Vision

Strategic Vision 2030: What is your long-term vision for the Dhaka-Male partnership over the next decade, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pacific strategy?

Public Perception: What would you like the people of Bangladesh to know or appreciate more deeply about Maldivian culture and foreign policy priorities?

Parting Message: Finally, what message would you like to convey to the readers of *The Security World regarding the importance of regional solidarity in South Asia?

I see the Maldives-Bangladesh partnership becoming broader and more forward-looking over the next decade. Beyond our strong political ties, there is great potential to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, maritime affairs, climate action and people-to-people exchanges. As neighbours in the Indian Ocean, we have every reason to work more closely together.

I would like the people of Bangladesh to see the Maldives as more than just a beautiful tourist destination. We are a close friend and partner that values cooperation, sustainability and strong regional relationships. Our people have much in common, and I believe those ties will only continue to grow.

Regional cooperation has never been more important. By working together, supporting one another and focusing on our shared interests, we can build a more peaceful, resilient and prosperous South Asia. That is the message I would like to leave with your readers.