Diplomatic Desk:
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Jafar H. Bin Abiah paid a courtesy call on Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman on Sunday (February 22, 2026). The Ambassador conveyed his government’s greetings and expressed his commitment to further strengthen Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh bilateral relations.
Welcoming the Ambassador, the Foreign Minister described Saudi Arabia as a trusted and long-standing partner of Bangladesh. He recalled that diplomatic relations between the two countries began with the establishment of the Bangladesh Embassy in Saudi Arabia in 1976 during the presidency of late President Ziaur Rahman. President Zia also paid a historic visit to Saudi Arabia in 1977. Both sides acknowledged his historic contribution in promoting Muslim unity.
The Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for the role of the Saudi leadership in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and across the Muslim Ummah. He expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s hospitality to a large number of Bangladeshi workers and emphasized the significant potential for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy and other priority sectors by leveraging the geo-strategic location of both countries.
Recalling Saudi Arabia’s support in facilitating the repatriation of nearly 200,000 Rohingyas in 1979 at the request of President Ziaur Rahman, the Foreign Minister appreciated Saudi Arabia’s continued humanitarian assistance to the 1.2 million Rohingyas who have taken refuge in Bangladesh and sought Saudi Arabia’s support for sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.
The Saudi Ambassador expressed his support for the current government and his willingness to work with the government to elevate the current bilateral relationship to a comprehensive one. He noted that in 2025, Saudi Arabia had issued 750,000 work visas and a total of 1.4 million Bangladeshi citizens. As Saudi Arabia is undergoing many developmental works, there are employment opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
Earlier, the Saudi Ambassador also met with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Shama Obaid Islam, and congratulated her on her appointment. The Minister of State commended the reform initiatives led by HRH the Crown Prince under the Saudi Vision 2030. Both sides reiterated their commitment to advance bilateral relations for mutual benefit.
