Bangladesh–North Korea relations refer to the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and North Korea.
North Korea had a resident embassy in Bangladesh.[1] Bangladesh ambassador to China also represents Bangladesh in North Korea.[2] In 2012, a North Korean diplomat was fined 2.5 million taka for the possession of illegal wine.[3] North Korea has a branch of its Pyongyang Restaurant chain in Dhaka. The restaurant is staffed by North Korean personnel and serves North Korean cuisine.[4] In May 2015, the restaurant manager, a North Korean National was arrested for selling illegal Viagra and alcohol out of the restaurant.[5] Following a raid at the restaurant, an assistant director of Customs Intelligence called the restaurant "a hub of illicit activities".[6]
In March 2015, a North Korean diplomat, Son Young-nam, was expelled from Bangladesh after he was caught trying to smuggle 1.7 million dollars worth of gold, which was seized in the airport.[7] The North Korean ambassador to Bangladesh apologized after the incident.[8]
Symantec and BAE Systems had found involvement of North Korea in the 2016 Bangladesh Bank heist through the hacking of the bank.[9] [10] In August 2016, Han Son Ik, first secretary of the North Korean embassy, was expelled for "illegal activities". He was found to be smuggling cigarettes and electronics worth half a million dollars.[11] In January 2017, a Rolls-Royce Han had bought in Bangladesh was seized by Bangladesh Customs.[12]
Bangladesh imported $34.8 million worth of goods from North Korea, while North Korea imported $5.31 million worth of goods from Bangladesh in 2002.[13]