United News of Bangladesh

‘Bangladesh and Singapore: A Tale of Two Nations’, authored by Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan, was unveiled in Dhaka on Wednesday, exploring historical parallels, cultural exchanges and the deepening economic ties between the two countries, with a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) charting a new course for bilateral relations. Fresh from its Singapore launch, the book was formally introduced at a programme titled ‘Book Launch: Bangladesh and Singapore: A Tale of Two Nations’ held in the city's Baridhara in the evening, where speakers discussed its key themes and future-oriented insights. In his opening remarks, author Enayetullah Khan, also Editor-in-Chief of UNB, said that following the book’s launch in Singapore on November 27, he felt Dhaka’s winter provided the right moment to present it to Bangladeshi readers. The book, he noted, captures nearly six decades of dynamic relations between Bangladesh and Singapore from multiple perspectives. “Bangladesh and Singapore do not merely stand on the conventional foundations of bilateral ties,” Khan said, adding, “Their relationship rests on a powerful narrative — trust, trade, investment and respect. These four principles form the strong pillars of Bangladesh–Singapore relations,” he said, adding that the book examines the economic outlook of both countries alongside their historical connections. Singapore’s independence from Malaysia came six years before Bangladesh achieved independence from Pakistan in 1971, and both nations were led by towering figures — Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Bangladesh and Lee Kuan Yew in Singapore. Despite differing trajectories and transformations after independence, bilateral relations between the two countries have remained resilient. Building on this foundation, the book outlines prospects for a new economic pathway. “Bangladesh is a South Asian country, while Singapore is in Southeast Asia. In today’s global power politics, the Bay of Bengal offers immense opportunities for Bangladesh. If shipping and trade potentials of the Bay are fully utilised, Bangladesh can witness a new wave of economic growth. In this context, a Bangladesh–Singapore FTA could open new doors and usher in a new horizon for both economies,” Khan added. Echoing similar optimism, Singapore’s Acting High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Mitchel Lee, who attended the event as a guest of honour, said the two countries share not only common waters of the Indian Ocean, but also intertwined historical journeys.