The connection between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh is deeply entrenched and remarkable, built upon a solid foundation of religious and cultural bonds.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to make an official trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from November 5 to participate in the international conference titled “Women in Islam: Status and Empowerment,” scheduled to take place in Jeddah. The Kingdom, in collaboration with the general secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), will host the conference from November 6 to 8. The conference will address five distinct themes, and the “Jeddah Document of Women in Islam” is expected to be published as a result of the discussions.
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Saudi Arabia has also shown keen interest in Bangladesh, and experts anticipate that the Prime Minister’s visit will enhance and intensify this interest.
Exploring the Roles and Duties of Women in Islam
Highlighting the Prime Minister’s crucial role in the conference, Foreign Minister Momen praised her as a global icon in women’s empowerment. He commended her efforts in empowering women at all levels and ensuring their participation in various sectors.
The 49th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers, which convened in Mauritania in March 2023, advocated for an international conference on women in Islam. It welcomed Saudi Arabia’s proposal, in collaboration with the General Secretariat, to host this event. The conference’s primary objective is to elucidate the rights and responsibilities of women in Islam, with a particular focus on women’s rights in education and employment as per Islamic teachings. Prominent scholars from the Muslim Ummah will participate widely in these discussions.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Essa Yusuf Essa Al Duhailan, recently met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence, Ganabhaban. During the meeting, he presented a letter inviting her to partake in the forthcoming conference addressing women’s roles in Islam.
Strategic Interest: Saudi Arabia’s Investment in Bangladesh’s Advancement
Over the past five decades, Bangladesh has experienced remarkable economic growth, transforming itself into a flourishing financial and industrial hub in South Asia. According to the World Bank, Bangladesh stances among the world’s fastest-growing economies, bolstered by its nonstop expansion in ready-made garment exports, demographic advantages, and stable macroeconomic stability.
This economic success has extended Saudi Arabia’s perception of Bangladesh, moving beyond religious reflections to view it as a highly attractive investment opportunity.
On May 23, 2023, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, Khalid A Al-Faliah, and Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal Alibrahim, extended an offer during their meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. They aim to position Bangladesh as a regional hub, given its strategic location connecting South and South-East Asia. Sheikh Hasina, in response, offered Matarbari and Paira Sea ports and economic zones for mutual benefits.
Ambassador Al Duhailan highlighted Saudi companies’ interest in investing in Bangladesh, recognizing it as an emerging economic power in Southeast Asia. These investments are expected to boost Bangladesh’s economic development, create jobs, and foster innovation.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia has provided financial assistance for various projects in Bangladesh, including housing, schools, mosques, orphanages, and disaster shelters. This support has facilitated the establishment of hospitals, bridges, and power plants, improving infrastructure and the living standards of the Bangladeshi population.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in Supporting Bangladeshi Workers
Saudi Arabia plays a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of Bangladeshi expatriates who work in various sectors within the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia is renowned for being one of the world’s most extensive labor markets, and the invaluable efforts of Bangladeshi laborers play a significant role. These expatriate workers remit money to their families in Bangladesh, making a substantial contribution to improving living conditions and bolstering economic stability in the nation. Approximately 2.8 million Bangladeshi expatriates are employed in various capacities in Saudi Arabia, and their foreign remittances play a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s development.
Saudi Arabia consistently stands as the most sought-after destination for Bangladeshi expatriates. Between 1976 and 2021, Bangladesh dispatched a substantial workforce of 4.581 million laborers to the Kingdom, representing nearly 34 percent of the nation’s total labor exports. Even during the challenging circumstances of 2020, when many global labor markets closed due to the pandemic, Saudi Arabia continued to employ more than 160,000 Bangladeshi workers.
In the preceding year, Bangladesh sent over 600,000 migrants abroad, with a significant majority of 460,000, approximately 76 percent, choosing Saudi Arabia as their destination. Over the last five years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as the preferred choice for Bangladeshi migrant workers. As the wealthiest nation in the Gulf region, Saudi Arabia actively implements an array of large-scale projects as part of its Vision 2030 initiative.
Bangladesh is steadily moving towards its projected graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) classification by 2026. As this milestone draws near, Bangladesh will no longer have access to the special trade benefits that are reserved for LDCs in the global trade arena.
Overview
- Saudi Arabia: The go-to destination
- Saudi Arabia: Top Choice for Bangladeshi Expats
- Years: 1976-2021
Historical Data
- 4.581 million Bangladeshi workers (1976-2021)
- 34% of total labor exports
- 160,000 workers retained during the 2020 pandemic
Recent Trends
- 2021: 600,000 migrants abroad
- 76% (460,000) picked Saudi Arabia
- Growing Saudi preference in the last 5 years
Saudi’s Vision 2030
- Large-scale Saudi projects
- Economic strategies shaping the job market
Graduation
- LDC Graduation by 2026
Hajj Pilgrimage
Saudi Arabia hosts thousands of Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims each year, with both countries ensuring their safety and well-being. In August 2023, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah visited Bangladesh, signifying strong relations between the two countries. Saudi authorities have streamlined the immigration process for pilgrims in Dhaka, eliminating long queues in Jeddah or Madinah airports and offering baggage transportation to ease the burden on Bangladeshi pilgrims, especially the elderly.
Energy Collaboration
Both nations have joined forces on energy-related initiatives, with a particular focus on the oil and gas sector. Saudi Arabia stands as a crucial oil supplier to Bangladesh, guaranteeing a reliable energy source for the country. Additionally, ongoing conversations revolve around potential investments in Bangladesh’s energy infrastructure.
Significantly, Saudi Arabia’s well-regarded power generation firm, “Aqua Power,” has pledged a substantial investment of USD 3.5 billion in Bangladesh’s power sector. The construction of a 730 MW power plant is already in progress, and plans for a 1000-megawatt solar power plant are in the works.
Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia: Military Diplomacy
The diplomatic relationship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia was initiated in 1975 when Saudi Arabia officially recognized Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Since then, the two nations have nurtured a robust friendship centered on mutual understanding and cooperation. The progress of their bilateral relations has been significantly influenced by high-level official visits.
A notable milestone was reached in 2018 when they jointly conducted their first military exercise, named ‘Gulf Shield-1,’ hosted by Saudi Arabia. This exercise involved 24 countries, including the US and the UK, and was aimed at enhancing military cooperation. The presence of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, during the exercise further solidified their bonds.
This collaborative military endeavor demonstrates Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening its ties with Saudi Arabia. In an ever-evolving global landscape, these strong connections are expected to play a pivotal role in the Muslim world.
The Saudi Ambassador reiterated his country’s dedication to standing by Bangladesh and providing assistance, especially during challenging times or disasters. This gesture of solidarity underscores the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision-2030
Bangladesh ready to prepare to connect its willingness to cooperate with KSA in realizing its “Vision-2030.” This collaboration can comprehend various areas such as labor force, trade, investments, agriculture, and education. Additionally, for Bangladesh to achieve its own “Vision-2041,” it needs Saudi Arabia’s considerable involvement and economic cooperation. Beyond official state visits, the engagement of economic and investment delegations, as well as cultural and defense cooperation, can play a pivotal role in elevating the bilateral relationship to new heights. Emphasizing greater economic engagement is key during the upcoming visit, as it has the potential to fundamentally transform the overall dynamics of the relationship between these two nations in the future.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia and Dhaka have experienced a remarkable evolution in their relations, evolving their partnership into a multifaceted alliance. This dynamic relationship is propelled by common economic interests, cultural exchanges, defense collaboration, and a shared commitment to tackling global challenges collectively. As they persist in fortifying their bonds, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh are well-positioned to play substantial roles in bolstering regional stability and fostering prosperity.
