The Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SABCCI) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict and security situation in the Middle East, urging an early and peaceful resolution through dialogue.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, SABCCI expressed sympathy for all those affected by the conflict, including Bangladeshis, and called for urgent and effective intervention by the Bangladesh government and the international community to ensure the safety and security of all including Bangladeshis living in Saudi Arabia.
The chamber called on the Bangladesh government, relevant ministries, manpower and employment authorities, and international stakeholders to take coordinated steps to resolve the uncertainty of the workers over joining their workplaces in Saudi Arabia.
SABCCI said it is closely monitoring the situation and warned that such instability could adversely affect not only social and humanitarian condition but also employment, remittances, imports and exports, trade and investment.
Considering the longstanding brotherly ties, strong economic and trade relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, and the mutual interests of their people, a swift normalisation of the situation is essential, it said.
Citing media reports, it said the cancellation of 82 flights over the past few days has disrupted the joining of more than 13,000 Bangladeshi workers scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia for job.
If the situation persists, the workers could face uncertainty over joining their jobs on time and securing their employment, putting the financial security of their families at risk, it added.
Bangladesh's foreign exchange earnings and overall economy could also be adversely affected, SABCCI said.
It also urged the authorities to consider extending visa validity where necessary, coordinating with employers, arranging alternative measures for workers to join their workplaces and providing necessary administrative and financial assistance to those affected.
SABCCI expressed confidence that the situation could be resolved swiftly and peacefully through mutual cooperation, effective diplomatic initiatives and international dialogue.
The chamber also urged all concerned parties to ensure the safety, employment and welfare of Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia while maintaining the friendly relations, trade cooperation and economic progress of the two countries.