Bangladesh (People's Republic of)

History of Relations | Diplomatic Representation | Travel Info | Health Requirements | Climate Info | Currency Info | Trade Info | Visits and Meetings | Agreements | Interest Groups/ Organisations

History of Relations

Relations between Bangladesh and South Africa were initiated during President Mandela's inauguration in 1994. On 10 September 1994, formal diplomatic relations were established between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Bangladesh has a resident High Commission in Pretoria while South Africa’s High Commissioner in Colombo, Sri Lanka is accredited to Bangladesh in a non-residential capacity.

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Bangladesh

The South African High Commission in New Delhi, India, is accredited to Bangladesh.

H E Mr J S Ndebele
High Commissioner

South African High Commission

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of South Africa in Dhaka:

Vacant

Tel: +88-02-9859760

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of South Africa in Chittagong:

Mr Mohammed Solaiman Alam Seth, Mr 2293/A, Zakir Hossain Road, East Nasirabad, Khulshi, Chittagong 4225, Bangladesh
Tel: +8803-652225
Tel: +8803-652226
Fax: +8803-652226

Bangladesh Representation in South Africa

Vacant
High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

The High Commission of the People's Republic of Bangladesh

Travel Info

Visa Requirements for South Africans

South African nationals require visas to visit Bangladesh. For more information contact the High Commission for the People's Republic of Bangladesh, in Pretoria.

High Commission for the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
410 Farenden Street
Sunnyside
Pretoria

Tel: 012 343 2105
Fax: 012 343 5222
E-mail: mission.pretoria@mofa.gov.bd

Health Requirements

Immunisation against Hepatitis A and B as well as Japanese encephalitis is strongly recommended before departure from South Africa. Immunisation against poliomyelitis, tetanus and typhoid (Vivotif Berna) is also recommended. Precautions should also be taken against malaria. Cholera is endemic to Bangladesh and immunisation against cholera as well as the usual precautions are advisable.

For further information go to Travelers' Health.

Climate Info

Bangladesh has a tropical climate and is hot and humid in summer (March to June) and there is routine flooding. During the monsoon (June to October) Bangladesh is cool and rainy. Winters in Bangladesh can be cool and dry (October to March).

For up-to-date weather information click here.

Currency Info

The monetary unit is the Taka (Tk).

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

Former South African President Mr. Nelson R. Mandela visited Bangladesh from 25 to 27 March 1997 to attend the Silver Jubilee Celebration of Bangladesh's Independence. During the visit, a Declaration of Intent (DOI) was signed expressing resolve of both countries to explore all possible avenues to expand and deepen the extent of political and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and South Africa. A number of high-level visits as well as study visits from Bangladesh to South Africa have since taken place.

Ms NC Mfeketo, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation made a landmark working visit to Bangladesh in August 2015. The Deputy Minister held bilateral discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Minister of Home Affairs to exchange views on challenges around migration issues.

The Chief of the South African Navy participated in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium in Bangladesh in early January 2016 while the South African Army has sent two personnel members to participate in the Defence Services Command and Staff College Training Programme from March 2016 to April 2017 in Bangladesh.

Sporting exchanges in terms of cricket also take place on a regular basis.

South Africa and Bangladesh have a structured bilateral mechanism on the form of a Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM). SOM meetings take place on a regular and rotational basis. The 3rd SOM took place on 19 August 2015 in Dhaka.

Bilateral Agreements

Trade Statistics

South Africa’s main export items to Bangladesh include: Citrus fruit, mineral products, chemicals, iron and steel products and pharmaceuticals.

South Africa’s main import items from Bangladesh include: Clothing textiles, leather and leather products, footwear, chemicals and machinery.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Bangladesh, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.

Interest Groups and Information

No information