Muslim devotees from across the world are coming into Saudi Arabia in large numbers taking advantage of the holy month of Ramadan contributing to huge crowd at the two holiest cities- Makkah and Madinah. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is witnessing a growing number of Umrah pilgrims from countries around the world, including from Bangladesh, since the beginning of Ramadan. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, offers the best weather, and this holy month, dedicated to prayer, self-reflection, and religious devotion, also traditionally marks the peak season to perform Umrah. Though Makkah is well-known for its excessive hot days, surprisingly, this March offers a pleasant weather. Thousands of Muslim devotees offered their Jummah prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah on Friday (March 15), the first Jummah of Ramadan. All the floors of the Grand Mosque and its adjacent courtyards were full of devotees, and the rows of devotees spilled over to the streets of the Central Haram area. Many of the Muslims offered Jummah from their respective hotels, which are connected with the Grand Mosque through audio transmission. Meanwhile, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman approved hosting 1,000 Umrah pilgrims from countries around the world during the year 2024. The guests representing the fourth and final batch of 2024, which includes 250 prominent Islamic Umrah pilgrims, male and female, representing 16 countries from the continents of Europe and Asia, are visitng the kingdom to perform Umrah. Read more: Saudi Arabia offers Nusuk platform for Bangladeshi visitors to increase accessibility and simplify Umrah Journey Islamic scholars, journalists, students, and influencers like the founder and CEO of 10 Minute School, Ayman Sadiq; and author, speaker, English teacher Munzereen Shahid are among the Bangladesh delegation members. "To be honest, I feel so lucky. I knew about the stories of these historical places. Now I had the opportunity to see in my own eyes," said Munzereen Shahid. She said there is no language barrier or cultural divide here. "I see an extraordinary unity among people. I have a desire to come again," said Munzereen who performed her first Umrah together with her husband Ayman Sadiq. "Had the honor of visiting the King Fahd Quran Printing Complex in Madinah, where millions of copies of the Holy Quran are printed every year. Madinah is peaceful," Ayman shared his experience of visiting the historic place in Madinah before performing Umrah. Talking to UNB, Musa Takai from New Zealand said, "It is quite unimaginable. I am grateful to Almighty Allah first and then to the Royal family for giving us this opportunity to perform Umrah." ​Musa expressed his sincere thanks and great appreciation to the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques and the crown prince for graciously hosting him to perform Umrah. He added that the kingdom always provides care and attention to the guests of Allah providing integrated services and stressed that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Umrah and Visitation Program is a wonderful model.

In a decisive statement released by the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday (February 07, 2024), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has clarified its stance to the United States regarding the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel. The Saudi Foreign Ministry articulated that such relations depend upon the recognition of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem serving as its capital. This announcement underscores the kingdom’s unwavering position on the Palestinian issue, emphasizing the necessity for the Palestinian people to secure their legitimate rights. Read more: ICJ should work to achieve its goal: Palestine Ambassador The statement further demanded an immediate cessation of Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip and the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the area. This stance was conveyed amidst discussions on the Arab-Israeli peace process, particularly in response to comments attributed to the US National Security Spokesperson. Saudi Arabia also renewed its appeal to the permanent members of the UN Security Council, urging those who have not yet recognized the Palestinian state to do so promptly. The goal is to ensure that the Palestinian people attain their legitimate rights and to pave the way for a comprehensive and just peace for all parties involved. This development comes in the wake of White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby’s remarks on Tuesday, indicating optimistic signals that Saudi Arabia and Israel are open to continuing normalization discussions. The move would follow in the footsteps of Saudi Arabia’s Gulf neighbors, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords. Read more: Silencing Palestinian perspectives: CNN staff criticize network’s pro-Israel bias

During a recent trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Salman Fazlur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Advisor on Private Industry and Investment, sought extended credit terms to alleviate Bangladesh's pressing dollar crisis. This request was made to facilitate longer payment periods for fuel imports from Saudi Arabia, a critical concern given the current financial constraints. In a press briefing held on Tuesday (February 06, 2024) at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) building upon his return, Rahman shared insights from his three-day visit. “Currently, we have a 45-day window to settle payments for fuel imports from Saudi Arabia. Given the dollar scarcity, extending this to a year would greatly benefit us. The Saudi officials have agreed to consider this proposal,” Rahman disclosed. Rahman represented Bangladesh at the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) meeting, emphasizing Bangladesh’s firm stance against terrorism and the misuse of Islam to justify such acts. “Terror has no religion, and by fostering cooperation among Islamic nations through the IMCTC, we aim to combat the defamation of Islam by terrorism,” he stated. Read: President urges KSA to invest more in Bangladesh The advisor highlighted the unanimous condemnation of the ongoing crises in Gaza by meeting participants, alongside a collective call for resolution. The plight of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh was also addressed, with a commitment to seek solutions. On the economic front, Rahman revealed Saudi investors’ interest in establishing a special economic zone in Bangladesh. “We are keen to allocate an economic zone to Saudi Arabia within Bangladesh. Their investment minister has shown enthusiasm for this project,” Rahman noted. Additionally, plans are underway to bolster Bangladesh’s agricultural sector through the joint establishment of a urea fertilizer plant in Saudi Arabia. “This collaboration aims to ensure a steady supply of fertilizers, enhancing our agricultural output. The proposal has been warmly received, with a feasibility study due to conclude by March,” he explained, highlighting the opportunity for private sector involvement alongside government-to-government initiatives. Read more: KSA's Majlish E Shura Council President Abdullah arrives in Dhaka

Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (January 31, 2024) agreed to take the existing excellent bilateral relations to a higher level. This was expressed when President of the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ibraheem Al Sheikh called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban. PM’s Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhwat Moon briefed reporters after the call on. Moon said that Hasina mentioned that Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia share a rich and longstanding historical relationship rooted in religious, cultural, and economic bonds. She Informed that for Bangladeshi Muslims, Saudi Arabia holds a special place in their hearts being the birthplace of Islam and the two holiest sites, Makkah, and Madinah. “Thousands of Bangladeshis perform the Holy Haji and the Umrah for religious purposes,” she said. KSA's Majlish E Shura Council President Abdullah arrives in Dhaka The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the recent development activities, reforms, and emerging role of Saudi Arabia on the global front under the visionary leadership of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Prime Minister and Crown Prince His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman. Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad congratulated the prime minister on her reelection. He mentioned that Saudi Arabia was always with Bangladesh and it has a historical long lasting relationship. He lauded visionary leadership of the prime ninister for the unprecedented development of Bangladesh. KSA keen to enhance trade with Bangladesh in food, energy, logistics, and manufacturing sectors : FBCCI “Prime Minister’s leadership is exemplary and imitable,” Shakhwat Moon quoted President of the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as saying. He also conveyed the greetings of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to the prime minister. Welcoming the greetings, Sheikh Hasina also greeted the Crown Prince. PM’s Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin and Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present. Read more: Saudi Arabia sends 400 tons of sacrificial meat for Bangladesh

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has sent 400 tons of sacrificial meat for the people of Bangladesh. This is intended to be distributed across the entire country, reaching communities in need through the Ministry of the Disaster Management and Relief. Envoys of Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, UAE and others congratulate PM Hasina The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Bangladesh on Tuesday said it came as a generous gesture of goodwill and solidarity. On Monday, a portion of sacrificial meat provided by the Saudi government was distributed to benefit hundreds of families in Sadar upazila, Sylhet, with specific allocations to various orphanages affiliated with Madrasahs. Saudi Arabia executes 2 Bangladeshis for killing an Indian  Upon the directives from Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Bangladesh, the distribution was supervised by Abdullah Khaled A Alqahtani, Head of Media and Cultural Affairs of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Dhaka, and Ahmed Abduldaem A Alhattari, the official project representative of the Islamic Development Bank in Jeddah. Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Saudi Arabia and UAE, host of COP28 climate talks The supervisory team included key officials such as Upazila Executive Officer Nasreen Akhtar, District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Mohammad Jasim Uddin, and the Sylhet Sadar Upazila Project Implementation Officer.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has said that Bangladesh wants to import petroleum from Saudi Arabia at a relatively lower price. He conveyed such interest when Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Bangladesh Issa Bin Youssef Al-Dahilan met him at his office in the ministry on Thursday. Read more: Bangladesh plans to import 5.46 million MT of petroleum in 2023 “We are also interested in purchasing the fuel on deferred payment,” he told the Saudi envoy. During the meeting they discussed various issues related to mutual interest and also possible solutions to the energy crisis in Bangladesh. Welcoming the Saudi ambassador he said Bangladesh wants to strengthen trade relations with the brotherly nation. Read more: Country has adequate stocks of petroleum fuel: Energy Division The Saudi ambassador said that the interest of Saudi companies in investing in power and energy sector in Bangladesh is growing. ACWA Power Company of Saudi Arabia is moving ahead with a plan to invest $1.5 billion in Bangladesh, he mentioned.

Saudi Arabia has assured its assistance in the commercial supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to Bangladesh on an emergency basis. The Saudi assurance came during the 14th meeting of the Joint Economic Commission of the two countries held from October 30 to 31 in its capital Riyadh. The Saudi delegation in the meeting also assured its assistance after Bangladesh requested investment in the Eastern Refinery Unit 2 project. read more: Political stability, good incentives attract Saudi companies to invest in Bangladesh: Saudi Envoy Two Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were signed between the two countries during the meeting on mutual cooperation in recruitment, training of naval professionals, and increasing trade. During the meeting, the two countries agreed to form a task force to enhance energy cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. It was decided to hold regular meetings of the task force on cooperation in the energy sector at convenient times for the two countries. In the meeting, discussions were held regarding the construction of 1000 MW solar power and 730 MW gas power plant in Bangladesh by Saudi ACWA Power. Read more: Saudi delegation to visit Bangladesh soon to discuss energy cooperation: Envoy In the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Bangladesh Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Communications and Information in Saudi Arabia to increase mutual cooperation in all possible fields including recruitment, and training of the maritime professionals of the two countries. Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mohammad Javed Patwary signed the MoU on behalf of Bangladesh and Deputy of Maritime Transport Abdul Rahman M Al Thunayen signed on behalf of Saudi Arabia. In the meeting, another MoU was signed between the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industries (FBCCI), and the Federation of Saudi Chambers and Commerce to form a Joint Business Council to increase trade. The MoU was signed by FBCCI Vice President Md Habib Ullah and his Saudi counterpart Vice President of the Federation of Saudi Chambers Tariq bin Muhammad Al-Haidari. Read More: Dependence on LNG import to continue, more terminals to be set up: Energy Advisor An agreement was made between the Health, Education and Family Welfare Division of Bangladesh and the Saudi Ministry of Health To sign an expedited MoU for an 'Executive Program' for the recruitment of professionals from Bangladesh in the Saudi health sector. Besides, a consensus was made on the signing of another MoU aiming to increase effective bilateral support in all fields of science and education between the education ministries of the two countries. Economic Relations Division Secretary Sharifa Khan led the Bangladesh delegation during the meeting while Saudi Vice Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor Dr. Abdullah Abuthnain led the Saudi delegation. Read More: Nasrul Hamid now hopes power supply situation will improve from Nov The next meeting of the Joint Economic Commission will be held in Dhaka.

A high-profile delegation from oil-rich Saudi Arabia will soon visit Bangladesh to discuss cooperation in the energy sector, said the country’s ambassador Essa Yussef Essa Al on Thursday. Talking to reporters at the Saudi Embassy here, the envoy said his country is one of the key players in balancing the oil market and Riyadh and Dhaka are helping each other on many fronts. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) finds Bangladesh as a “top priority country” and is interested in a long-term strategic plan to contribute to the economic growth of the country. The Saudi ambassador said the soon-to-visit delegation led by the Saudi Investment Minister will also discuss with Bangladesh the investment issues. He said the Saudi Investment Minister will visit Bangladesh within a couple of months and the two sides will get an opportunity to discuss cooperation in the energy sector. Responding to a question, the Saudi ambassador said the Saudi companies plan to invest more than US$ 10 billion in Bangladesh in coming years. Also read: Rohingya Crisis: KSA to keep supporting Bangladesh, The Gambia Prominent Saudi companies including Aramco, Aqua Power and Red Sea Gate are going to invest in several projects in different sectors, he added. The Saudi envoy said they are taking preparations to sign several MoUs on defence cooperation to strengthen the existing ties. Referring to cooperation in the manpower sector, he said his country accommodates over 2.6 million Bangladeshi workers who provide over US$ 3.5 billion annually. “Every day we issue 5 to 8 thousand visas to Bangladeshis from our embassy,” he said. In response to the letter of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday conveyed his support to Saudi Arabia for hosting the World Expo 2030 in Riyadh. “We have excellent relations. We always receive full solidarity,” he said, thanking Bangladesh for the support. The KSA is hosting Expo 2030 in Riyadh and Bangladesh’s support to Saudi Arabia reflects the absolute growing relationship between the two brotherly Muslim countries, said the Saudi ambassador. Also read: Govt to help expats get hotel accommodation in KSA for quarantine: FM Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mohammad Javed Patwary handed over the original copy of the president's letter addressed to the Saudi king to Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan during a meeting at the latter's office. The Saudi foreign minister expressed his satisfaction with the relationship between Bangladesh and his country and was looking forward to deepening the ties. The two sides also discussed the ongoing cooperation between them and issues of mutual interest. KSrelief Activities  The ambassador said the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud established the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) on May 13, 2015 to serve as the Kingdom's humanitarian representative to the rest of the world. The center's purpose is to provide humanitarian and relief aid outside of the kingdom. Saudi Arabia is the third largest donor country worldwide, said the envoy. “The King Salman humanitarian aid and relief center team is here to monitor the ongoing projects in Bangladesh. The team is collaborating in Cox's Bazar with UNICEF and the Islamic Development Bank, who examined the project's progress to provide primary health care for Rohingyas’ health and nutrition needs,” he added. Additionally, the ambassador said, the voluntary medical initiative to fight blindness and its causes in Bangladesh was integrated on Monday by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. The King Salman Center’s plans for this year include 100 projects under the Noor Saudi Volunteer Program to fight to fight blindness in more than 30 nations. “I am happy to announce that Bangladesh received a significant amount of funding after seven projects, of which three have already been carried out and the rest will be done in the near future,” he said.

Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are keen to strengthen economic cooperation through an increased presence in the fields of trade, investment and direct shipping connectivity between Chattogram and Jeddah. Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam on Monday and discussed ways to further broaden the relations. Tha Ambassador congratulated the government of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for successful completion of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge. Also read: Bangladesh gets another 4 mn doses of COVID-19 vaccine from US The State Minister thanked the Ambassador and government of Saudi Arabia for necessary arrangements including pre-immigration facilities for pilgrims at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The Ambassador briefed the State Minister on further willingness of more Saudi investment in Bangladesh. The State Minister expressed his satisfaction over the excellent relationship that exists between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia in bilateral and multilateral sectors. Also read: Dhaka requests London for resettlement of one lakh Rohingyas He thanked the Ambassador for his efforts in promoting the relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. They also discussed cooperation in the areas of culture, education and tourism.

The first hajj flight from Bangladesh carrying 419 pilgrims slated to depart for Saudi Arabia on Sunday As the Coronavirus situation has improved a bit this year, the Holy Hajj is going to be held on July 08 depending on the moon sighting with participation of one million pilgrims from all over the world. Of them, 57,585 hajj pilgrims will attend from Bangladesh. Also read: Hajj cost goes up by Tk 59,000 Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday inaugurated the Hajj Programme-2022 (1443 Hijri) urging everyone to uphold the dignity of Islam, the religion of peace. She asked the pilgrims to abide by the rules and laws of Saudi Arabia while performing their hajj rituals there. Biman will carry 31,000 pilgrims through 75 dedicated flights, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. Pilgrims will have to spend minimum TK 5,21,150 to perform hajj this year. This year, the government has fixed Tk 1.40 lakh as plane fare. Hajj is open to those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and are under the age of 65, added the statement. Pilgrims travelling from abroad will also need to have a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their departure for Saudi Arabia, the statement added. Also read: First hajj flight from Bangladesh rescheduled for June 5 Last year, 58,745 pilgrims performed Hajj in the world because of the COVID-19 pandemic Before the Covid-19 pandemic, 127,198 pilgrims from Bangladesh performed hajj in 2019. Before the pandemic, some 2.5 million people used to travel every year to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.