Saudi Arabia is providing a royal grant of Tk 2.44 billion for the construction of eight iconic mosques in Bangladesh. This information was revealed during a meeting between Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain and the Saudi Ambassador Dr. Abdullah Jafar H. Bin Biyah at the Secretariat on Sunday (July 27).
The Religious Affairs Adviser stated that land proposals have already been received from several divisions, and communication with the rest is ongoing. He said, “The construction work will begin as soon as possible.”
Bangladesh-Saudi Relations Growing Stronger
The Adviser further said, “The relationship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia is very close and friendly. Currently, around 3.2 million Bangladeshis are working in Saudi Arabia, significantly contributing to the country’s economy through remittances.”
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He also noted that Bangladeshi expatriates are playing a vital role in implementing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Praise and Proposals Regarding Hajj Management
Thanking the Saudi government for the excellent and smooth Hajj management this year, the Adviser also made several important suggestions for next year’s arrangements. These include:
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Increasing the number of washrooms in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah
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Ensuring uninterrupted water and electricity supply
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Expanding the size of beds in Mina tents
The Ambassador assured that he would convey these suggestions to his government and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Further Development Cooperation Promised
During the meeting, the Saudi Ambassador pledged to enhance Saudi Arabia’s development cooperation in Bangladesh. Discussions were also held on matters of mutual interest, such as the integration of RFID tags for Hajj pilgrims’ luggage tracking and the establishment of an Arabic Language Institute in Dhaka.
Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs A. K. M. Aftab Hossain Pramanik and Joint Secretary of the Hajj Wing Dr. Md. Manjurul Haque were also present at the meeting.
