Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Bangladesh; The prospect of emerging coaltion between Bangladesh and Italy

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni is expected to visit Bangladesh in late August 2025.

This visit marks a pivotal moment in the diplomatic relations between Italy and Bangladesh. It will occur while Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus is working as the Chief Adviser to the Interim Government of Bangladesh. It presents a unique opportunity to strengthen diplomatic relations, deepen economic cooperation, and address challenges such as migration and its impact on sustainable development.

Since 1973, when Bangladesh and Italy's relations were nascent and rudimentary, they have evolved into a comprehensive alliance including business, migration, defence, and culture. Italy was among the first nations to recognise Bangladesh's independence and played a significant role in its accession to the United Nations in 1974. As of 2009, Italy is home to to almost 175,000 to 200,000 Bangladeshis, being the largest Bangladeshi community in continental Europe. The Bangladesh-Italy Political Consultations, conducted for the second time in June 2024, are part of the established continuous political dialogues. Participants have focused on issues including climate change, renewable energy, and collaboration in information and communication technology (ICT). They thought to have formulated a plan aimed at enhancing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

 Due to the growth of commercial relations between Bangladesh and Italy over the years, trade value between the two nations reached 2.7 billion euros in 2022 and 2.2 billion euros in 2023. Italy ranks as Bangladesh's sixth-largest worldwide trading partner and serves as the nation's second-largest export market in Europe. By 2023, Bangladesh recorded a trade surplus with Italy, exporting goods valued at $1.23 billion and above, predominantly textiles.

By this time, Italian exports to Bangladesh totalled $593 million, which included industrial machinery. Italian foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh exceeded 132 million Euros, with Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) active in various sectors, including textiles and energy. Moreover, migration constitutes a significant facet of the relationship between Bangladesh and Italy, since it is estimated that almost 175,000 to 200,000 Bangladeshis are legally resident in Italy. The substantial remittances, exceeding one billion euros annually, demonstrate that this diaspora makes a significant contribution to economic integration. The Bangladeshi population in Italy exhibits a notable entrepreneurial drive, ranking as the fourth largest group of non-EU residents to establish their businesses as sole proprietorships. Alfredo Mantovono, the secretary of Italian Prime Minister had told that Italy is willing to take 82,200-day labourers from various countries, including Bangladesh. 

Nonetheless, concerns such as unauthorised migration and human trafficking persist. The challenges are to be mitigated through enhanced cooperation on legal migration pathways and capacity development, as specified in a Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and Mobility agreed in May 2025. Alongside the strong diplomatic relations between the two countries, Italy provides financial assistance to Bangladeshi students for their further studies at Italian institutions. This has facilitated Bangladesh's scientific advancement and enhanced interpersonal relationships by enabling researchers and technicians to travel freely to various regions.

 A crucial domain for partnership is climate change, which is especially pertinent given that Bangladesh is significantly affected by it, while Italy possesses expertise in renewable energy. A triangular collaboration exists between the two nations aimed at increasing awareness of climate change, and energy agreements have been established to bolster their cooperation along with the European Union in renewable energy, environmental conservation etc. 

Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus's current role as Chief Adviser of the Interim government of Bangladesh introduces a novel and unique dimension to this association. His significant recognition and experience in poverty reduction and social enterprise render him well-suited to Italy's developmental objectives, facilitating discourse on sustainable economic development. The interim administration's commitment to democracy and the forthcoming elections provide a robust foundation for enhanced collaboration, led by Professor Yunus, to promote discussions on novel economic concepts that could bolster the economy.

Prime Minister Meloni's visit to Bangladesh is of considerable importance to both nations. Dhaka is the ideal location to commence your journey. The visit of Prime Minister Meloni to Bangladesh will be highly significant for both countries. Italy must recognise the increasing economic importance of Bangladesh, as well as the nation's strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region. As Bangladesh approaches its planned graduation from the list of least developed countries in 2026, it is becoming an increasingly attractive partner for Italian enterprises. Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus also stated, "Bangladesh could effectively communicate its progress to the world if it initiates the visit." Enhanced strategic engagement with Italy might provide Bangladesh access to the European market and technological innovations, aligning with the government's objectives.

The visit was expected to yield tangible outcomes, including agreements on migration and labour mobility, as well as the enhancement of legal avenues for skilled Bangladeshi workers. The textiles and Agro-processing sectors in Bangladesh are expected to be the central emphasis of improved trade and economic connections, along with trade and investment cooperation.

The capacity of both nations to address challenges such as human trafficking and cybercrime will be enhanced through the formation of joint commissions focused on security collaboration and crime prevention. These commissions will address transnational challenges.

Despite an optimistic outlook for the future, challenges persist, including the protracted processing of visas and the country's economic reliance on textile exports. Furthermore, enhanced trade in information technology and pharmaceuticals can fortify economic connections. To effectively assist adaptation and mitigation measures, a global response to climate change is essential. This can be achieved via international collaboration.

 Meloni's visit to Bangladesh is among the few pivotal events in the connection that could significantly enhance the partnership. Under Professor Yunus's leadership, and considering Italy's strategic objectives, collaboration may occur in advancing democratic ideals, sustainable development, and human rights.

The success of the visit will hinge on the capacity to convert commitments into tangible contracts or frameworks. The substantial Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy provides a basis for enhanced collaboration. Moreover, the commitment of both nations to multilateralism and international law provides a common foundation for tackling several issues including illegal migration. The relationship between Bangladesh and Italy has evolved from a humanitarian partnership into a multifaceted collaboration that includes security, development strategy, migration management, and environmental adaptation and mitigation. The shot may foster a stronger connection between the two nations and their respective inhabitants. The relationship between the two parties will be determined by their respective political commitments and the development of their respective institutions.

Sent-in by: Jaidul Karim Iram

Bio: Jaidul Karim Iram

BSS, MSS (IR), University of Dhaka.

Executive Officer, The People's University of Bangladesh (PUB), Dhaka, Bangladesh.

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