President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on Saudi Arabia to take steps to make the Hajj experience easier and more comfortable for Bangladeshi pilgrims, particularly by improving sanitation and other basic facilities at Mina.

The President made the request during a meeting with Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Zafer H. Bin Abiyah, who paid a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban on Monday.

During the meeting, Dr. Abdullah Zafer H. Bin Abiyah conveyed congratulations to President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on behalf of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman following his assumption of office, said President’s Press Secretary Md. Sarwar Alam.

The President specifically raised concerns about the facilities available to Bangladeshi pilgrims during their stay in Mina. President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir requested improvements to essential services, particularly bathing and toilet facilities, so that Bangladeshi pilgrims can perform their religious duties under more convenient conditions.

In response, Dr. Abdullah Zafer H. Bin Abiyah assured President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir that the Saudi authorities would take appropriate measures to address the issues raised regarding facilities for Bangladeshi pilgrims.

The meeting also covered the longstanding economic and labour relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.

Referring to the ongoing global energy crisis, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sought Saudi Arabia’s cooperation in helping Bangladesh cope with the challenges created by the changing global energy situation.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also stressed the importance of increasing bilateral trade and investment between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, calling for greater engagement from both the public and private sectors.

Dr. Abdullah Zafer H. Bin Abiyah assured the President that Saudi Arabia would continue to support Bangladesh in the areas of energy, trade and investment.

The President also expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s contribution to Bangladesh’s labour market, noting that more than 35 lakh Bangladeshi workers are currently employed in the Kingdom.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir requested the Saudi envoy to help ensure that Bangladesh continues to receive priority when Saudi Arabia undertakes future recruitment of foreign workers.

Describing Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia relations as excellent, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the existing partnership should be further strengthened through expanded cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

As part of the effort to deepen bilateral relations, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir extended a formal invitation to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

The meeting was attended by the President’s Secretary, Military Secretary and Press Secretary, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.