Diplomatic Desk: President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged Saudi Arabia to take further measures to make the Hajj pilgrimage more convenient and comfortable for Bangladeshi pilgrims, particularly by improving bathing and toilet facilities at Mina.

The President made the request when Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer H Bin Abiyah paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban on Monday.

During the meeting, the Saudi envoy conveyed congratulations to the President on behalf of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on his assumption of office, President`s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam told BSS.

In response, President Fakhrul expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia`s continued support and cooperation with Bangladesh. He specifically requested the Saudi ambassador to improve basic facilities for Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims staying at Mina, where pilgrims spend an important part of their Hajj journey.

The Saudi ambassador assured the President that the Saudi authorities would take appropriate measures in this regard.

The President also sought Saudi Arabia`s cooperation and support for Bangladesh at a time when the world is facing an ongoing energy crisis. He stressed the importance of expanding trade and investment between the two countries, both at the government level and among private businesses.

Highlighting the close ties between the two countries, President Fakhrul said Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia relations are excellent and should be strengthened further through greater cooperation in various fields.

He expressed particular gratitude to Saudi Arabia for providing employment opportunities to Bangladeshi citizens. More than 35 lakh Bangladeshi workers are currently employed in Saudi Arabia, making the Kingdom one of the most important destinations for Bangladeshi migrant workers.

The President urged the Saudi ambassador to ensure that Bangladesh continues to receive priority in manpower recruitment in the future. He also emphasised the importance of protecting and expanding employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in the Saudi labour market.

The Saudi envoy assured that Saudi Arabia would continue its support for Bangladesh in the energy, trade and investment sectors.

During the meeting, President Fakhrul invited King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time.

The meeting reflected the broad nature of Bangladesh-Saudi relations, which extend beyond Hajj and religious ties to include manpower employment, energy, trade and investment.

President`s Secretary, Military Secretary, Press Secretary and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the meeting.

For millions of Bangladeshis, Saudi Arabia holds special importance as the home of the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah as well as a major destination for migrant workers. The President`s request for better facilities at Mina is therefore expected to be closely followed by Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims and their families.