The diplomatic ties between the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were further consolidated this evening as the Saudi Ambassador to Dhaka, His Excellency Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, paid a formal courtesy call on President M Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban.
The meeting served as a vital platform for high-level dialogue, underscored by the delivery of a personal letter from King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. The royal communiqué was specifically centred on Saudi Arabia’s ambitious bid to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh—a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s “Vision 2030” project aimed at global cultural and economic integration.
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Expanding the Horizon of Bilateral Trade
President Hamid characterised the relationship between the two nations as “multilateral and profoundly significant,” moving beyond traditional ties to encompass a broader economic synergy. While the relationship has historically been anchored by the large Bangladeshi expatriate workforce in the Kingdom, the President emphasised that the current climate offers “ample opportunity” for diversified trade and substantial investment.
The President advocated for a structured increase in mutual communication and high-level visit exchanges. He noted that by fostering direct engagement between the chambers of commerce of both nations, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia could unlock potential in sectors such as:
- Energy and Infrastructure: Saudi investment in Bangladesh’s power grid and port facilities.
- Information Technology: Collaborative ventures in digital transformation.
- Agriculture and Food Security: Enhancing the export of Bangladeshi agro-products to the Gulf.
Humanitarian Solidarity and the Rohingya Crisis
A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to the ongoing Rohingya humanitarian crisis. President Hamid expressed his sincere gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their unwavering support and the provision of essential assistance to the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals currently sheltered in Bangladesh.
The President voiced his optimism that this humanitarian cooperation would not only persist but also intensify. He specifically called upon the Kingdom to leverage its significant diplomatic weight on the international stage, particularly within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to exert sustained pressure on Myanmar. The ultimate goal, he noted, remains the “dignified, safe, and sustainable repatriation” of the Rohingya people to their ancestral lands.
Key Pillars of Bangladesh-Saudi Cooperation
| Strategic Area | Current Status / Focus | Future Potential |
| Manpower | Largest destination for Bangladeshi workers. | Transitioning to skilled and semi-skilled professionals. |
| Energy | Major supplier of crude oil and petroleum products. | Investment in renewable energy and LNG terminals. |
| Diplomacy | Strong alignment within the OIC and UN. | Mutual support for international bids (e.g., Expo 2030). |
| Humanitarian | Significant funding for Rohingya refugee camps. | Advocacy for international legal accountability for Myanmar. |
| Investment | Increasing interest in Special Economic Zones (SEZs). | Potential $10bn+ investment in infrastructure projects. |
High-Level Attendance
The meeting was attended by a cohort of senior officials from the President’s Office, including:
- Sampad Barua, Secretary to the President’s Office.
- Major General SM Salah Uddin Islam, Military Secretary to the President.
- Md Joynal Abedin, Press Secretary to the President.
- Wahidul Islam Khan, Secretary (Attachment).
The encounter concluded with a mutual reaffirmation of the “unshakeable bond” between the two brotherly nations, with a shared commitment to achieving regional stability and economic prosperity.