Bangladesh Prime Minister Mourns Qatar's Former Amir Sheikh Hamad

Tarique Rahman calls the late Father Amir a visionary statesman, as Bangladesh joins a global outpouring of condolences following Sheikh Hamad's death at 74

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed profound sorrow over the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar's former Amir, who died Sunday at the age of 74.  In a condolence message addressed to Qatar's current Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Rahman wrote: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former Amir of the State of Qatar and your beloved father."
"On behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh, and on my own behalf, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Your Highness, the Royal Family, the government and the brotherly people of the State of Qatar," Rahman said.

A Tribute to Sheikh Hamad's Legacy

In his message, the Bangladeshi prime minister described Sheikh Hamad as "a visionary statesman whose distinguished leadership transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous, and globally respected nation." He added that Sheikh Hamad's "enduring contributions to regional peace, economic development, education, and international cooperation will be remembered with profound respect."
Rahman also noted that Bangladesh "greatly values its close and fraternal relations with the State of Qatar," pointing to decades of bilateral ties built on mutual trust and shared values between the two countries.

Part of a Global Wave of Condolences

Bangladesh's message joins an extensive outpouring of tributes from governments and diplomatic missions around the world. Qatar's own Amiri Diwan announced four days of national mourning following Sheikh Hamad's death, with government agencies suspending work and flags flown at half-mast nationwide until civil servants resume duties on July 19.
According to The Peninsula Qatar, embassies and ambassadors accredited to Doha have issued a wide range of condolence statements, with diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, Türkiye, Palestine, and others paying tribute to what they described as Sheikh Hamad's visionary leadership and transformative reforms. The International Organization for Migration also offered condolences, with its Director General Mohammed Abdiker calling Sheikh Hamad "a visionary leader" who "leaves a lasting legacy."

A Reign That Redefined Qatar

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until his voluntary abdication in 2013, when he handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim, in a rare peaceful transition among hereditary Gulf rulers. During his 18-year rule, Qatar transformed from a small, resource-limited emirate into a major regional and international player, driven by the expansion of its liquefied natural gas industry, the 1996 founding of Al Jazeera, and the country's successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Bangladesh's tribute reflects the broader diplomatic weight of Sheikh Hamad's legacy, extending well beyond the Gulf region to countries across South Asia, and beyond that, built strong bilateral relationships with Qatar during his tenure and in the years since.