The Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, has stated that although discussions are ongoing regarding the renewal of passports for 69,000 Rohingyas residing in Saudi Arabia, they will not be repatriated to Bangladesh. He provided this information while responding to journalists at an event held at the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia’s Gift to Bangladesh: 100 Tons of Dates
Ahead of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, Saudi Arabia has gifted Bangladesh 100 tons of dates. A special event was organized at the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka to mark the occasion, where the Saudi Ambassador was present.
Call for Renewal of Rohingya Passports
Since these Rohingyas hold Bangladeshi passports, discussions are ongoing with the Bangladesh government regarding their passport renewal, the Ambassador explained. He said, “This is a highly sensitive issue. We have only requested passport renewal for legal procedures, but there are no plans to send them back to Bangladesh.”
Saudi Investors Show Interest in Bangladesh
Additionally, Saudi investors have expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh’s port and energy sectors. The Saudi company Red Sea Gate has shown interest in managing the Matarbari deep-sea port.
Furthermore, successful discussions were held between Bangladesh’s Energy Advisor, Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan, and Saudi company ACWA Power regarding investments in Bangladesh’s energy and power sectors, according to the Ambassador.
The diplomatic relationship between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh is strengthening, which is expected to positively impact trade and economic cooperation between the two nations in the future.
