The President of the Commonwealth of Independent States-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CIS-BCCI), Mohammad Ali Deen, along with his Board of Directors, met with Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Bangladesh, at the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka on Monday. The meeting focused on deepening bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, with a particular emphasis on private sector collaboration. Mohammad Ali Deen outlined the initiatives of CIS-BCCI to promote trade ties between the two nations and stressed the significant potential of the Saudi market for Bangladeshi exports. He highlighted the importance of diversifying both export markets and product categories, adding that collaboration in culture, sports, and tourism could further strengthen the long-term economic relationship. Ambassador Essa Alduhailan praised the historic friendship between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. He underscored the need to explore untapped opportunities for bilateral trade and commerce, emphasizing the advantages of Saudi Arabia’s advanced medical system. The ambassador suggested medical treatment in Saudi Arabia along with Umrah pilgrimage packages, which could benefit Bangladeshi citizens. Australia seeks Bangladesh's help to address transnational organised crimes Discussions also touched on potential areas for cooperation, including automobiles, jute, textiles, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, handicrafts, handlooms, muslin silk, and leather goods. Among those present at the meeting were CIS-BCCI Directors Md Hasen Ali, Md Farukul Islam Shova, Khan Md Iqbal, Md Razib Pervez, Adviser Mahbub Islam Runu, and members Md Dhusor Ahamed and Maulana Eyaqub Sharafati.  

Government is committed to protect the best interest of Hajj pilgrims, said Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain on Sunday. The ministry is working tirelessly to improve the hajj management in a disciplined way and due to the government’s effective measures, the cost of plane fares decreased by nearly Tk 27,000 this year, he said. Khalid came up with the remark while talking to reporters after a meeting with the Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan, at the Secretariat. Besides, the government has taken steps to strengthen the registration process for pilgrims, he said. He also sought support from the Saudi Ambassador to issue the Moazzem Visa and to limit the number of pilgrims per agency to 250. During the meeting, discussions were held on transportation of hajj pilgrims, Route to Mecca, service, installation of Arabic Language Institute in Dhaka, Eight Iconic Mosques in Bangladesh and the other issues of mutual interest. Nepalese Ambassador meets Bangladesh’s Religious Adviser Besides, various aspects of strengthening the relationship between the two countries were also discussed. Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, Additional Secretary of the Hajj Division Mohammad Matiul Islam, its Joint Secretary Dr Manjurul Haque, and the Adviser’s Personal Secretary Shadek Ahmad were present there.