Bangladesh on Tuesday honored Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan with prestigious award “Bangladesh Medal for Diplomatic Excellence" for his "profound and enduring contributions" toward elevating Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia bilateral relationship to unprecedented heights. "Your (Ambassador) legacy of fostering unparalleled goodwill and collaboration between our two nations will forever be etched in our collective memory," Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said, extending his heartfelt congratulations to Ambassador of Saudi Arabia o  behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin presided over the conferment ceremony held at the Foreign Service Academy. Secretary (East) Dr Md. Nazrul Islam and Director General (West Asia Wing) Md Shafiqur Rahman were also present. The Saudi Ambassador expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the government of Bangladesh for this honor. "This award symbolises  the strong bond between our two countries; and I am proud to have been part of this journey," he said. Dhaka seeks faster Canadian visa processing for Bangladeshi students The Ambassador dedicated this award to his beloved Saudi Arabia, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Crown Prince and Prime Minister;  Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud; as well as his family. "I echo the heartfelt sentiment of Bangladesh’s National Anthem: "Amar Sonar Bangla, Ami Tomai Bhalobasi." Throughout Bangladesh's diplomatic history, Adviser Hossain said, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has remained a steadfast friend and trusted ally. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the inception of our diplomatic engagement. The Adviser said the collaboration has yielded significant benefits in areas such as development and joint advocacy for shared goals on international platforms. This brotherly relationship is marked by enduring support and collaboration, evident in development partnerships and joint advocacy for shared goals on international platforms, Hossain said. No discussion regarding CA’s China visit, says Foreign Adviser after his bilateral tour Over three million Bangladeshi expatriates are working in Saudi Arabia, playing a vital role in the Kingdom’s economy while contributing to Bangladesh’s development through remittances. "This interdependence reflects the strong and growing connection between our two nations," said the Foreign Adviser. Saudi Arabia’s forward-looking investments in Bangladesh—spanning key areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and finance—have further solidified this bond, he said. "Together, we have pursued critical initiatives to ensure energy security and promote peace. Both nations have consistently stood united in rejecting oppression and advocating for global stability and harmony," said the Adviser. During the tenure of Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, Hossain said, the Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia relationship has flourished in unprecedented ways. Committed to creating environment for "free, participatory" polls: Wahiduddin Mahmud "His dynamism and commitment to expanding and consolidating our multifaceted ties have been nothing short of exemplary," said the Adviser, adding that his visionary leadership has fostered collaboration across a spectrum of sectors, with Saudi Arabia emerging as one of their key bilateral partners in trade, investment, and energy security. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ambassador demonstrated unparalleled dedication by safeguarding the welfare of Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia and ensuring the continuity of employment for Bangladeshi workers, Hossain said. These efforts stand as a testament to his compassion and statesmanship, further strengthening the bond between the peoples, he mentioned. In this noble endeavor, the Adviser said, Ambassador Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan has played an instrumental role, propelling the Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia partnership through exceptional cooperation and camaraderie.

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.