|| By Staff CorrespondentDHAKA/DOHA, July 16: Bangladesh has reaffirmed its close diplomatic relationship with Qatar by formally conveying Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's personal message of condolence to the Emir of Qatar following the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.In a significant diplomatic gesture, Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram personally handed over the Prime Minister's condolence message to Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during a state condolence ceremony held at Lusail Palace on July 14.The high-level ceremony, attended by members of the Qatari royal family and senior officials, underscored the importance both countries attach to their longstanding bilateral friendship.Speaking on behalf of the Government and the people of Bangladesh, the Speaker conveyed profound sympathy to the Emir and the bereaved royal family over the passing of the former ruler, who is widely credited with transforming Qatar into a modern global state.The Prime Minister's message also paid tribute to Sheikh Hamad's visionary leadership and acknowledged his enduring contribution to strengthening Bangladesh-Qatar relations, particularly through expanding economic cooperation and supporting the welfare of the large Bangladeshi expatriate community living in the Gulf nation.The Speaker offered prayers for the eternal peace of the departed leader's soul and reiterated Bangladesh's solidarity with the people of Qatar during their time of mourning.Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy Humayun Kabir and Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar Mohammad Hazrat Ali Khan accompanied the Speaker during the ceremony.Following the condolence event, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad held a separate meeting with Speaker of Qatar's Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, where the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening parliamentary cooperation and bilateral ties.The Speaker had arrived in Doha on July 14 on a brief official visit dedicated to conveying Bangladesh's condolences. He was received at Hamad International Airport by Bangladesh Ambassador Mohammad Hazrat Ali Khan and a representative of the Emiri Diwan.In recognition of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani's historic role in fostering Bangladesh-Qatar relations and his support for Bangladeshi expatriate workers, the Government of Bangladesh observed July 15 as a day of state mourning.National flags were flown at half-mast across government and semi-government offices, autonomous institutions, educational establishments, public and private buildings, and Bangladesh missions abroad, reflecting the country's respect for the late former Emir and the deep bonds shared between Dhaka and Doha.Diplomatic observers say the personal delivery of the Prime Minister's condolence message at the highest level highlights Bangladesh's intention to further deepen its strategic partnership with Qatar, a key destination for Bangladeshi workers and an increasingly important partner in trade, energy, and investment.