[🇧🇩] Can Bangla-Saudi Relation be elevated to Strategic Level?

[Saif]

Quote from Above articles.

Come on this is not strategic. Providing cheap soldiers for mine defusing and 135 mn USD investment is not strategic.

It takes time to build a strategic relationship with a country like Saudi Arabia. There is a huge potential for Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia to build a strategic relationship based on sectors like hydrocarbon and defense. By the way, our soldiers lives are not cheap, may be yours are.

 

[Saif]

Upcoming visit of Saudi Crown Prince promises further momentum in Dhaka-Riyadh ties: Foreign Affairs Adviser

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday said Bangladesh is eagerly anticipating the upcoming visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Bangladesh, an event that promises to further enhance the momentum of bilateral relations between the two countries. "We also look f

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Upcoming visit of Saudi Crown Prince promises further momentum in Dhaka-Riyadh ties: Foreign Affairs Adviser
UNB
Published :
Sep 30, 2024 00:12
Updated :
Sep 30, 2024 00:12

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday said Bangladesh is eagerly anticipating the upcoming visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Bangladesh, an event that promises to further enhance the momentum of bilateral relations between the two countries.

"We also look forward to celebrating 50 years of our diplomatic ties, marked by cultural exchanges, business delegations, and high-level visits that will undoubtedly solidify our enduring partnership," he said while speaking at a reception marking the Saudi National Day at the country's embassy in Dhaka.

Hossain said they deeply appreciate the remarkable contributions of Saudi Ambassador Essa Yousef Essa Al Duhailan in strengthening the bilateral ties and warmly welcomed his successor, assuring him of full cooperation in advancing the partnership.

The Adviser extended his heartfelt wishes for continued peace, prosperity, and progress for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the wise leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. "May our friendship continue to flourish."

Saudi Arabia has been a steadfast partner in Bangladesh's development journey.

Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has partnered Bangladesh in implementing several infrastructure projects over the years.

"We express our deep gratitude for the Kingdom for employing around 3 million of our workers, both semi-skilled and unskilled, who are contributing to both of our economies," said Hossain.

The proposal for establishing a Joint Task Force on labor issues reflects the shared commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers, a testament to common values of social justice, he said.

The two way trade has exceeded $2 billion annuallyin recent years.

Bangladesh sources strategic goods like petroleum products and minerals, fertilizer etc. from Saudi Arabia to keep the economy moving.

Recently, Bangladesh is drawing increasing attention from Saudi businessmen and investors who are showing keen interest to invest here, said the Adviser.

The recent investment initiative by the Red Sea Gateway Terminal in the operation of Potenga Container Terminal is a case in point to showcase Kingdom's commitment to developing Bangladesh's logistical capacities in the port sector, he said.

Some notable companies, such as ACWA Power and SABIC, are exploring opportunities in the renewable energy, logistics and infrastructure sectors.

Simultaneously, Bangladeshi businesses are eager to engage in sectors like pharmaceuticals and fertilizers in Saudi Arabia.

"As Bangladesh rapidly develops, we invite our Saudi partners to explore the immense potential within our Special Economic Zones, offering significant opportunities in infrastructure, power, tourism, and hospitality," said the Adviser.

The two nations have also identified new areas for collaboration, particularly in areas of labor migration, investment, infrastructure development, education, as well as agriculture and environment.

"We remain committed to forging a strategic partnership as we approach the Golden Jubilee of our diplomatic ties next year," Hossain said.

Looking ahead, the Adviser said, they are going to elevate the Joint Commission to the ministerial level, reflecting the deepening significance of the relationship.

"This step will undoubtedly help unlock new opportunities and strengthen our cooperation in addressing global challenges and supporting each other in international forums," he said.

Saudi Arabia, under the dynamic leadership of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, is progressing toward achieving the ambitious Vision 2030-a vision that seeks to diversify the Saudi economy, promote sustainability, and achieve transformative growth.

"Bangladesh is willing to be a partner to contribute to realizing this vision by sharing our experience and expertise in aligning with these aspirations for sustainable, inclusive development," said the Foreign Adviser.​

 

[Saif]

Keen to recruit more workers from Bangladesh: Saudi envoy

Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan on Sunday expressed eagerness to recruit more workers, especially skilled and trained workforce, to support its ambitious initiatives like "Green Saudi Initiative" and mega projects under the Kingdom Vision 2030

www.thedailystar.net

Keen to recruit more workers from Bangladesh: Saudi envoy

Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin. Photo: PID

Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan on Sunday expressed eagerness to recruit more workers, especially skilled and trained workforce, to support its ambitious initiatives like "Green Saudi Initiative" and mega projects under the Kingdom Vision 2030.

The ambassador recalled the invaluable contributions of Bangladeshi expatriate workers to the Saudi economy and society, praising them as diligent and hardworking.

During a meeting with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Saudi envoy said the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka is issuing a good number of visas every day, which is adding up to the already 3 million workforces employed in Saudi Arabia.

Both the foreign secretary and the ambassador underscored the necessity of maintaining continuous engagement between their governments, including political consultations and the high-level Joint Economic Commission (JEC) as well as the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) on Manpower between the two countries.

During the meeting, the ambassador briefed the Foreign Secretary on some pending Saudi initiatives, including establishment of "iconic mosques" and an Arabic language institute in Dhaka and sought his cooperation in expediting them.

The Saudi envoy also apprised him on the current Saudi investment initiatives in the port logistics and renewable and power sectors, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The foreign secretary assured the ambassador of his commitment to addressing any outstanding issues and encouraged him to explore further potential for increasing investment from KSA.

He pledged full support to facilitate the removal of any obstacles hindering such investments.

He also expressed Bangladesh's solidarity with the Palestinian cause and called for urgent action for the realisation of a two-state solution.​

 

[Saif]

Yunus seeks robust KSA investment

Chief adviser Muhammad Yunus on Monday urged the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to invest more in Bangladesh as he sought enhanced energy and economic cooperation to boost ties between the two friendly nations...

www.newagebd.net

Yunus seeks robust KSA investment
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 28 October, 2024, 21:58

Chief adviser Muhammad Yunus on Monday urged the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to invest more in Bangladesh as he sought enhanced energy and economic cooperation to boost ties between the two friendly nations.

The chief adviser made the call when Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan paid a courtesy call on him at his office here.

‘This is the time that Saudi Arabia can give the best support to us,’ Yunus told the Saudi envoy, terming the relationship between the two countries ‘unique’ and ‘separate’ than other countries.

He called on the envoy to convey his request to the Saudi government for depositing funds in Bangladesh’s central bank to boost liquidity support as part of economic cooperation, saying it would be ‘a wonderful gesture to the Interim Government’.

The chief adviser also called for concessional supply of energy and petroleum products as well as enhanced trade and increased Saudi investment in the training of the Bangladeshi young people so that Dhaka can send more skilled and trained workers to the oil-rich country.

Ambassador Al Duhailan acknowledged the contribution of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Saudi Arabia, saying that gaining more skills would help them earn a better salary and send more remittances back home.

Currently, nearly 3 million Bangladeshis are employed in the kingdom, sending billions of US dollars annually.

The envoy said that Saudi Arabia issued on average 5,000 visas to Bangladeshi migrants and Muslim pilgrims daily.

In 2023, about half a million Bangladeshis visited Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah hajj, a 37 per cent increase from the previous year.

Al Duhailan said that his country was eager to invest more in Bangladesh and sought support from the office of the chief adviser to facilitate proposed Saudi investment in the port and logistics sectors especially in Matarbari deep seaport and power and renewable energy sectors by Acwa Power.

He handed over two letters from the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulating the chief adviser on the occasion of Saudi National Day.

‘My government wants to see stability in Bangladesh, and Inshallah is ready to support the Bangladesh government,’ said the Saudi ambassador.

He presented the chief adviser a copy of the Holy Quran and a replica of the falcon, the national bird of Saudi Arabia.​

 

[Saif]

Saudi issues visas up to 6,000 Bangladeshi workers

Saudi Arabia has increased the number of visas it grants to Bangladeshi workers, in line with the implementation of its ambitious development plan. According to Dubai-based Gulf News, the country is currently issuing between 4,0000 to 6,000 labour visas to Bangladeshis daily, with the possibility

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Saudi issues visas up to 6,000 Bangladeshi workers
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Dec 17, 2024 23:10
Updated :
Dec 17, 2024 23:10

Saudi Arabia has increased the number of visas it grants to Bangladeshi workers, in line with the implementation of its ambitious development plan.

According to Dubai-based Gulf News, the country is currently issuing between 4,0000 to 6,000 labour visas to Bangladeshis daily, with the possibility of further increases shortly.

Last month, Saudi Arabia recruited 83,000 workers from Bangladesh, marking the highest number of recruitments from any country in a single month, reports bdnews24.com.

This recruitment drive is part of the country's focus on executing its “Vision 2030” development plan.

As part of the plan, Saudi Arabia is preparing for major events such as the 2034 FIFA World Cup and the 2030 Riyadh Expo, alongside large-scale projects such as the construction of airports, railways, and stadiums.

These initiatives have significantly increased the demand for workers.

Additionally, Gulf News reported that Saudi Arabia recently donated 372 tonnes of meat to strengthen ties with Bangladesh.

The foreign ministry said the meat will be distributed to orphanages, religious schools, and those in need across the country.​

 

[Mb444]

BD needs to explore ways of increasing its exports to SA. We have a ready made market there- our expat community.

At this point we can only offer unlimited labour to SA, which is something they sorely need.

They have not really invested in BD, which is a shame but probably is failure in BD marketing itself.

One potential point of engagement could be in oil exploration …. Offer them a joint venture…they may bite

 

[Bilal9]

BD needs to explore ways of increasing its exports to SA. We have a ready made market there- our expat community.

At this point we can only offer unlimited labour to SA, which is something they sorely need.

They have not really invested in BD, which is a shame but probably is failure in BD marketing itself.

One potential point of engagement could be in oil exploration …. Offer them a joint venture…they may bite

We have a very good market for our apparel to their market for a while now. Most of the wholesalers and retailers who are importing these items to Saudi Arabia are also Bangladeshi business people who have been established there for a while. In Ramadan, if you go to the nightly open air Swap meets after midnight, most of the clothing sold there are our exports.

 

[Saif]

We have a very good market for our apparel to their market for a while now. Most of the wholesalers and retailers who are importing these items to Saudi Arabia are also Bangladeshi business people who have been established there for a while. In Ramadan, if you go to the nightly open air Swap meets after midnight, most of the clothing sold there are our exports.

Aside from exporting garments, we should pursue Saudis to invest in our hydrocarbon and defense sectors. We are totally depended on America for hydrocarbon exploration. This needs to be changed. And also our defense sector can be greatly benefitted if Saudis invest in weapons manufacturing in Bangladesh. BOF (Bangladesh Ordnance Factory), BMTF (Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory), KSY (Khulna Shipyard), and Narayanganj Shipyard are some of the potential areas where we should draw Saudi investment. What do you say?

 

[Krishna with Flute]

What are the areas where strategic partnerships can happen.

 

[Bilal9]

What are the areas where strategic partnerships can happen.

Crude refining (production of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid), leading to derivatives like PET chips and polyester staple fiber, production processes which require large capital outlays. The downstream industries in Bangladesh are textile processes already present in huge scale. But process changes will be needed to convert from Cotton currently to PET fiber processes (polyester spinning, weaving, apparel production etc.) which Bangladesh is starting to develop because most of Bangladesh exports are currently cotton-based. Alongside apparel, specialized technical fabric (for outdoor use such as tents) and mock-cotton hollow-fiber oriented products for home textiles will also be a target. This could triple Bangladesh exports and expansion is already starting to take shape.

Bangladesh is aiming for number one spot in apparel production (currently number two) but it will be a long slog because of China's size and strength. Both can exist as textile sources as this is not a zero sum game. China will slowly move to higher level and higher value addition products and Bangladesh will dominate the lower end.

There are non-textile areas too - shipbuilding comes to mind as @Saif suggested.

Bangladeshi shipbuilders and yards are already supplying gulf and middle east markets in large measure.

 

[Bilal9]

Aside from exporting garments, we should pursue Saudis to invest in our hydrocarbon and defense sectors. We are totally depended on America for hydrocarbon exploration. This needs to be changed. And also our defense sector can be greatly benefitted if Saudis invest in weapons manufacturing in Bangladesh. BOF (Bangladesh Ordnance Factory), BMTF (Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory), KSY (Khulna Shipyard), and Narayanganj Shipyard are some of the potential areas where we should draw Saudi investment. What do you say?

All these are potential areas of investment but I see Polyester Staple fiber projects and shipbuilding as the most promising, they are strategic for our national development. The first needs massive capital outlay and the two main ingredients (ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid) both come from Saudi Arabia (SABINCO being a major player) which will be exported to Bangladesh to be converted to Polyester Staple fiber.

The second is shipbuilding - where massive amounts of skilled labor is needed. Bangladesh can specialize in smaller coastal and specialized logistics and fishery ships which India, China or Vietnam will find hard to compete in.

I am not so sure Saudis will be interested in investing in military production - that will be better directed toward companies like NORINCO maybe. China has perfected low cost (But high quality) defence products.

 

[Mb444]

Saudi government is trying to diversify it’s economy.

Its primary strategy has been to invest abroad. Given where BD was it is not a surprise that SA did not invest because as an investor it sought to invest in tech and in stable and growing stockmarkets. BD still ranks as an emerging market and the inherent risk that implies.

However oil remains SA economies mainstay. Because they have such high reserves they have not bothered to explore beyond their land border with much vigor. But here I think we can speak to SA. Ask them to explore oil reserves in the Bay. Along with SA manifa bay and Red Sea project a bengal exploration arm will deliver cost reduction through economies of scale in the immediate term to them . In the medium term huge profit that is to made with such venture.

I believe such a proposal can be win-win for both nation but will require proactive action from BD.

 

[Saif]

All these are potential areas of investment but I see Polyester Staple fiber projects and shipbuilding as the most promising, they are strategic for our national development. The first needs massive capital outlay and the two main ingredients (ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid) both come from Saudi Arabia (SABINCO being a major player) which will be exported to Bangladesh to be converted to Polyester Staple fiber.

The second is shipbuilding - where massive amounts of skilled labor is needed. Bangladesh can specialize in smaller coastal and specialized logistics and fishery ships which India, China or Vietnam will find hard to compete in.

I am not so sure Saudis will be interested in investing in military production - that will be better directed toward companies like NORINCO maybe. China has perfected low cost (But high quality) defence products.

A few months ago, Saudis offered Bangladesh 8 tactical transport planes which they manufactured locally. Saudis are investing heavily in military hardware production to gain self-sufficiency in defense. Our defense production capacity is very limited. Saudi investment can change this. All we have to do is convince the Saudis that our defense industry has potentials. NORINCO is an automatic choice as we import 80% of our defense products from China. Saudi money and NORINCO's technology can do magic in building our indigenous defense industry.

 

[Bilal9]

A few months ago, Saudis offered Bangladesh 8 tactical transport planes which they manufactured locally. Saudis are investing heavily in military hardware production to gain self-sufficiency in defense. Our defense production capacity is very limited. Saudi investment can change this. All we have to do is convince the Saudis that our defense industry has potentials. NORINCO is an automatic choice as we import 80% of our defense products from China. Saudi money and NORINCO's technology can do magic in building our indigenous defense industry.

You are correct - this is a good strategy.

I guess this is the Ukrainian JV aircraft project the Saudis had cancelled after building six examples. So I don't know if they actually ended up building six or eight and they wanted to sell Bangladesh the tooling I guess. Saudis cancelled the project in favor of expanding their C-130 fleet instead of building these.

Actually we still use the daddy of this airplane, the AN-32. All of these Ukrainian designs are made for using dirt airstrips and are tough as nails.

If they gave us the tooling at a good price, it'd be a good choice for a nascent aviation industry like ours.

Antonov/Taqnia An-132​

 

[Saif]

Saudi Aramco willing to invest: envoy

Ambassador of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan on Sunday said that Saudi oil company Aramco was willing to establish a refinery at Sitakunda in Chattogram to...

www.newagebd.net

Saudi Aramco willing to invest: envoy
Staff Correspondent 05 January, 2025, 22:28

Ambassador of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan on Sunday said that Saudi oil company Aramco was willing to establish a refinery at Sitakunda in Chattogram to produce petroleum products for Bangladesh and their exports to other countries in the region.

‘Aramco is willing to come to Bangladesh to establish a refinery at Sitakunda for Bangladesh and the region as well,’ the envoy said while addressing the launching of the report titled ‘Enhancing Saudi-Bangladesh Economic Engagement: Trends, Key Challenges & Long-term Growth Prospects’ at the foreign ministry in Dhaka.

He said that their biggest renewable energy company ACWA Power was also willing to invest in Bangladesh.

The Saudi ambassador, however, mentioned that a high-profile team from Aramco visited Bangladesh earlier when nobody even received them in Dhaka, saying they would not talk about the past now, but would rather look forward.

‘Saudi Arabia always supports Bangladesh and its journey. Saudi Arabia never says no to Bangladesh and Bangladesh does so to Saudi,’ he said, welcoming the interim government’s reform initiatives in various sectors, particularly those related to governance.

Speaking as chief guest, finance adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said that Aramco was not welcomed in the past although the Saudi company was willing to invest in Bangladesh.

‘We are now paying for the wrong policy taken in the past…Our plan is to leave some foot-prints through reforms in one and a half years or in two years. Making reforms is not always pleasant,’ he said.

Salehuddin said that the trade between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia could be raised to $200 billion from $2 billion presently.

Foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain said that they need to develop skills of the people for higher remittance as well for its own development.

He deplored that Bangladesh was yet to become an investment-friendly country on the practical ground.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs prepared the report with the support of independent advisery firm Policy Exchange Bangladesh.

Policy Exchange Bangladesh chairman and chief executive officer M Masrur Reaz made a presentation on the report while the foreign ministry’s secretary (East) Md Nazrul Islam gave a welcome speech at the event chaired by foreign secretary Md Jashim Uddin.

Masrur said that Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia shared a five-decade long diplomatic and economic partnership, with bilateral trade reaching $2.1 billion in 2023.

Saudi Arabia being the destination for roughly 33 per cent of total overseas employment for Bangladesh had pledged significant investments in energy, logistics and manufacturing for shared growth, he added.​

 

[Saif]

Saudi company keen to manage Matarbari port

Red Sea Gateway Terminal, a Saudi-owned port company, on Friday expressed its interest in managing the deep-sea port of Matarbari in Bangladesh. Aamer A. Alireza, executive chairman of the company, said it can help transform Matarbari into one of the largest ports in the region. He made the comme

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Saudi company keen to manage Matarbari port
BSS
Published :
Jan 24, 2025 21:59
Updated :
Jan 24, 2025 21:59

Red Sea Gateway Terminal, a Saudi-owned port company, on Friday expressed its interest in managing the deep-sea port of Matarbari in Bangladesh.

Aamer A. Alireza, executive chairman of the company, said it can help transform Matarbari into one of the largest ports in the region.

He made the comments when he called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sideline of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in the Swiss mountain city of Davos.

The Chief Adviser asked the company to invest more in Bangladesh and help attract more foreign direct investment to the country.

He said Bangladesh would develop more ports along the Bay of Bengal to turn the Chittagong region into an export and shipping hub for countries in the region.

The Red Sea Gateway, which manages Patenga Terminal, has planned to invest nearly US$ 200 million to boost the efficiency and capacity of the terminal, Alireza said.

He said the company has ordered an import of US$25 million of container handling cranes and other equipment from China recently and would order another US$25 million worth of equipment in the next few weeks.

“These are hybrid equipment, meaning they can be run by both electricity and fuels. They will cut emissions,” he said.

Describing Matarbari as one of the most important deep-sea ports in the region, Alireza said his company is interested in investing in the port and turning it into one of the major shipping hubs in the region.

He said port efficiency in Chittagong will woo huge foreign direct investment in the country as many top manufacturers will be keen to relocate their factories in Bangladesh.

Lamiya Morshed, the SDG coordinator of the Bangladesh government, and Tareq Ariful Islam, Bangladesh permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, also attended the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

Saudi ambassador hopeful of resolving passport issues of 69,000 people

Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan has expressed optimism over resolving the passport issues of 69,000 people who went to Saudi Arabia after the country's independence with Bangladeshi passports.

en.prothomalo.com

Saudi ambassador hopeful of resolving passport issues of 69,000 people
UNB
Dhaka
Published: 05 Feb 2025, 22: 30

Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan has expressed optimism over resolving the passport issues of 69,000 people who went to Saudi Arabia after the country's independence with Bangladeshi passports.

"We hope it will be resolved soon," he told reporters at the embassy on Wednesday, referring to positive discussion between Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The ambassador assured that these people would not be sent back to Bangladesh as they are working on their legal status.

Earlier, the Saudi embassy announced the arrival of 100 tonnes of dates as gifts from the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques under the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre.

The dates will be distributed among the poorest, vulnerable communities and flood-affected people of the country.

The Saudi ambassador handed over the dates to the officials of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the event.

Officials of the government of Bangladesh said they have already received 70 tonnes of dates which are preserved for distribution, hopefully before the Holy month of Ramadan.

The Saudi ambassador said they want to enhance the humanitarian relationship with Bangladesh through collective efforts in addition to enhancing relations in the areas of trade, investment, tourism and people to people exchanges.

The Saudi embassy issued more than 2.2 million workers' visas over the past three years, facilitating opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia.​

 

[Saif]

Keen to strengthen ties with Bangladesh: Saudi Ambassador

Newly appointed Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer H Bin Abiyah on Monday expressed his keen interest in working closely to further strengthen the warm bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries. He had separate courtesy meetings with Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain an

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Keen to strengthen ties with Bangladesh: Saudi Ambassador

Published :
Jul 14, 2025 21:16
Updated :
Jul 14, 2025 21:16

Newly appointed Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer H Bin Abiyah on Monday expressed his keen interest in working closely to further strengthen the warm bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries.

He had separate courtesy meetings with Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed issues of mutual interest.

The Foreign Adviser and the Foreign Secretary warmly welcomed the Ambassador and expressed their full support for his endeavours, reports UNB.

The Saudi Ambassador on Wednesday presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

Meanwhile, Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan completed his tenure as Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh.

This year, Bangladesh honoured Ambassador Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan with the prestigious award “Bangladesh Medal for Diplomatic Excellence” for his “profound and enduring contributions” towards elevating Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia bilateral relationship to unprecedented heights.​

 

[Saif]

Saudi-funded iconic mosques' construction to begin soon: Religious Affairs Adviser

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr A F M Khalid Hossain has said that the construction of iconic mosques, funded by a Tk 244 crore Saudi royal grant, will start shortly. The adviser came up with the remarks after meeting with Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah at the Secretariat

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Saudi-funded iconic mosques' construction to begin soon: Religious Affairs Adviser

UNB
Published :
Jul 27, 2025 22:50
Updated :
Jul 27, 2025 22:50

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr A F M Khalid Hossain has said that the construction of iconic mosques, funded by a Tk 244 crore Saudi royal grant, will start shortly.

The adviser came up with the remarks after meeting with Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah at the Secretariat on Sunday.

The adviser mentioned that proposals for land have already been submitted by various departments, and they are maintaining regular communication with all concerned parties to expedite the process.

He further emphasised the strength of the longstanding relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, highlighting that approximately 3.2 million Bangladeshis currently reside in the Kingdom. “Our expatriates are not only contributing significantly to the Bangladeshi economy through remittances, but they are also playing a vital role in the realisation of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” he added.

The adviser extended heartfelt thanks to the Saudi government and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the efficient and well-managed Hajj operations this year. Looking ahead to next year’s pilgrimage, he requested improvements in infrastructure—specifically an increase in washroom facilities in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, uninterrupted access to water and electricity, and larger beds in the minaret tents.

In response, Ambassador Bin Abiyah assured that he would communicate these proposals to the relevant Saudi authorities. He also pledged to support enhanced Saudi collaboration in Bangladesh’s development.

During the meeting, discussions extended beyond Hajj matters to include the possible implementation of RFID tagging for pilgrims’ luggage and the proposed establishment of an Arabic Language Institute in Dhaka—both seen as steps to deepen mutual cooperation.

Religious Affairs Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik and Joint Secretary of the Hajj Division Dr Md. Manjurul Haque were also present at the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

Newly appointed Saudi Ambassador pays courtesy call on Chief Adviser

The newly appointed Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah, paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. The Chief Adviser extended his warmest greetings to the Saudi Ambassador on assuming his duties in Bangladesh and expre

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Newly appointed Saudi Ambassador pays courtesy call on Chief Adviser

BSS
Published :
Jul 27, 2025 21:11
Updated :
Jul 27, 2025 21:11

The newly appointed Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah, paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna.

The Chief Adviser extended his warmest greetings to the Saudi Ambassador on assuming his duties in Bangladesh and expressed hope that the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia would reach new heights during his tenure.

He also pledged cooperation of his government during the Saudi Ambassador’s tenure in Bangladesh.

Referring to the depth of Saudi Arabia’s relations with Bangladesh, he said there is an opportunity to further expand this relationship by increasing cooperation in various sectors.

He proposed that Saudi Arabia could consider establishing its production sector in Bangladesh by utilising Bangladesh’s geostrategic location, cheap labour, and the country’s resources.

In this regard, he called for Saudi investment in the energy sector, including oil refineries, the healthcare sector, the health education sector, and the pharmaceutical industry.

In response, the Saudi Ambassador mentioned his country’s deep ties with Bangladesh.

He said that Saudi investment company Red Sea Gateway Terminal is engaged in the Patenga Container Terminal and Matarbari Deep Sea Port.

He said the Saudi government had allocated US$ 20 million for construction of an Arabic Language Institute and 8 mosques in different cities in Bangladesh.

The Saudi Ambassador handed over the invitation letter of the Saudi Crown Prince and the Prime Minister to attend the 9th meeting of the Future Investment Initiative Forum to be held in Riyadh in October.

The Chief Adviser also expressed his gratitude to the Saudi Crown Prince for accepting the invitation to visit Bangladesh on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia diplomatic relations at a given date.

The Chief Adviser presented the Saudi Ambassador with a collection of graffiti from July 2024 as a gift.

Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary for SDG affairs, was present, among others, on the occasion.​