Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Rome on 13 October 2025, discussing key issues on the sidelines of the World Food Forum, where Lula accepted an invitation to visit Dhaka by February 2026 to enhance bilateral ties. The Bangladesh’s Yunus and Brazil president meeting holds significance for South Asia as it signals potential economic and strategic alliances with Latin America’s powerhouse, fostering trade, climate action, and poverty reduction initiatives amid regional challenges like food security and youth empowerment.
Yunus Lula Rome Summit Discussions Focus on Mutual Interests
In the Bangladesh Yunus Brazil president meeting, the leaders covered a range of topics vital to both nations. Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s pioneering work in social business and microCredit, while Lula shared Brazil’s successes in universal healthcare and social inclusion. The Yunus Lula Rome summit discussions also delved into strategies to combat poverty, drawing from their respective experiences.
Specific areas of cooperation emerged during the Yunus Lula Rome summit discussions. These included deep-sea fishing, where Brazil’s expertise could aid Bangladesh’s maritime sector, and pharmaceuticals, with emphasis on making vaccines patent-free and affordable. Climate change featured prominently, ahead of COP30 in Brazil next month. Yunus briefed Lula on the youth-led uprising in Bangladesh in July 2024, which led to the ousted of the previous regime and the formation of the interim government.
The leaders also celebrated cultural ties, particularly football. Yunus noted that “people in every village in Bangladesh support Brazil,” underscoring the passion for Brazilian football in the country. Lula responded positively, seeing it as a bridge for deeper relations.
Key Outcomes from the Bangladesh Yunus Brazil President Meeting
A major highlight of the Bangladesh’s Yunus and Brazil president meeting was Yunus’s formal invitation to Lula for a state visit to Bangladesh. Lula accepted, stating “I will go to Bangladesh” and expressing intent to travel by February 2026. Yunus replied, “That would be fantastic.” This pledge could boost trade, currently valued at around USD 2 billion annually, with Bangladesh exporting textiles and Brazil supplying agricultural products.
Lula extended an invitation to Yunus for COP30, set for November 2025 in an Amazonian state to spotlight rainforest protection. Yunus thanked him but indicated he might not attend due to preparations for Bangladesh’s general election in the first half of February 2026. He described the upcoming vote as a “real and landmark” event, the first fair election in 16 years after past “fake and rigged” ones under the autocratic regime.
The Yunus Lula Rome summit discussions also touched on Brazil’s willingness to share universal healthcare models and learn from Bangladesh’s social business innovations. Accompanying Yunus were Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam. Lula was joined by several ministers and senior officials.
Background: Bangladesh-Brazil Relations and the Rome Context
Relations between Bangladesh and Brazil have grown steadily since diplomatic ties were established in 1972. Brazil recognised Bangladesh shortly after independence, and trade has expanded in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. Yunus has prior connections with Brazil, including a 2008 meeting with Lula during his first presidency and a 2023 tour of major cities to promote social business.
The Bangladesh Yunus Brazil president meeting occurred at the Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters in Rome, on the sidelines of the World Food Forum. The forum, organised by the FAO, addresses global food security and sustainable agriculture. Both leaders served as keynote speakers, highlighting their commitment to these issues. The event drew participants from over 100 countries, focusing on innovations in food systems amid climate challenges.
In South Asia, where food insecurity affects millions, such engagements matter. Bangladesh, with a population of 170 million, faces vulnerabilities in agriculture due to climate change. Partnering with Brazil, a leader in biofuels and large-scale farming, could provide technical support and investment.
What’s Next
Following the Yunus Lula Rome summit discussions, officials from both sides are expected to prepare for Lula’s visit. This could include working groups on trade agreements and joint projects in healthcare and fisheries. Bangladesh’s interim government aims to hold elections by early 2026, potentially stabilising the political landscape for enhanced international cooperation. COP30 offers another platform for dialogue, even if Yunus cannot attend personally.
The Bangladesh’s Yunus and Brazil president meeting marks a step towards stronger South-South cooperation, with Lula’s planned visit poised to elevate ties. As both nations navigate global challenges, this engagement underscores the value of shared experiences in development and inclusion.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, October 14th, 2025
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