Diplomatic Desk:
The High Commissioner of the Maldives to Bangladesh, Ms. Shiuneen Rasheed, paid a courtesy call on the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Shama Obaed Islam, MP, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday (01 April, 2026). The High Commissioner congratulated the State Minister on her assumption of office.
The State Minister expressed appreciation for the participation of the President and the Foreign Minister of the Maldives in the swearing-in ceremony of the new Government, as well as the participation of the Minister for Higher Education, Labour and Skill Development of the Maldives at the state funeral of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral cooperation in different areas including trade, health, education, and connectivity, and to unlock the vast untapped potential that exists between the two countries. The State Minister underscored the importance of increased exchanges of business delegations between the two countries and welcomed the resumption of direct Malé–Dhaka flights by ‘Maldivian’, the national carrier of the Maldives, from 12 March 2026.
The High Commissioner appreciated the contributions of Bangladeshi migrant workers to the socio-economic development of the Maldives. The State Minister expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of the Maldives for extending employment opportunities to the Bangladeshi workforce and requested the Maldives to consider recruiting more skilled and semi-skilled workers from Bangladesh. The High Commissioner conveyed the interest of the Maldives in recruiting healthcare workers from Bangladesh.
The State Minister expressed appreciation for the continued support of the Government of Maldives on the Rohingya issue. The State Minister conveyed the Government of Bangladesh’s commitment to revitalizing SAARC, with both sides emphasizing the importance of strengthening regional cooperation.
