Saudi issues 5k visas a day from Bangladesh as relations grow

The Saudi embassy in Bangladesh has streamlined its visa processing operations, now issuing approximately 5,000 visas daily from Dhaka. This development comes amid the growing bilateral relations between the two nations, with significant investments from Saudi companies poised to enter various sectors in Bangladesh.

Saudi Ambassador Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan shared these insights during a press briefing held to announce the launch of the Saudi Volunteer Program (EBSAR) in Dhaka on Tuesday. The program was inaugurated by Dr. Aqeel Al Ghamdi, Assistant Supervisor General for Planning and Development at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRELIEF), in the presence of the ambassador.
EBSAR aims to provide eye treatment to 30,000 students in 50 schools across Dhaka.
Ambassador Al Duhailan emphasized that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh has evolved into a "multi-faceted" partnership that goes beyond religious pilgrimages such as Hajj and Umrah. He noted that cooperation between the two countries has expanded into areas such as trade, culture, defense collaboration, and the exchange of manpower.
One notable investment is the agreement between Saudi energy giant ACWA Power and the Bangladeshi energy ministry. Last year, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to invest in a 1,000 MW solar energy project in Bangladesh.
Additionally, the Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) is on the verge of finalizing a deal to become the operator of the Patenga container terminal in Bangladesh. Currently, RSGT operates in the King Abdulaziz Port in Jeddah.
Addressing another query, the Saudi envoy mentioned that the Saudi oil giant, Aramco, has plans to invest in the refinery sector in Bangladesh. While previous delegations from Aramco had visited Bangladesh without significant progress, there is optimism that positive developments may materialize soon. The topic is expected to be discussed during the upcoming visit of the Saudi investment minister to Dhaka.
Earlier, in celebration of Saudi Arabia's 93rd national day on September 26, Ambassador Al Duhailan announced that Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud would be visiting Bangladesh in the coming year. He expressed that Bangladesh holds a special place in Saudi Arabia's heart and that the relationship between the two countries has deepened due to the stable government and remarkable economic growth of Bangladesh.