MM Rahmatullah: Saudi Arabia is observing its 96th National Day with renewed emphasis on national identity and the Kingdom’s ongoing economic and social transformation under Vision 2030, while Bangladesh is looking to further deepen its longstanding relations with the Gulf nation.

The National Day was marked in Dhaka with a diplomatic reception hosted by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, bringing together senior government officials, political leaders, diplomats, business representatives and other distinguished guests.

Speaking at the reception, Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moin Khan said Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia could further strengthen their longstanding friendship and eventually elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

He said the relationship between the two countries extends beyond conventional diplomatic ties, with deep religious, historical, cultural, economic and people-to-people connections forming its foundation.

“Saudi Arabia occupies a special place in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh,” the minister said, highlighting the important contribution of millions of Bangladeshis living and working in the Kingdom to strengthening ties between the two countries.

He expressed gratitude to the Saudi government and people for their support and care for Bangladeshi expatriate workers.

Dr Moin Khan said bilateral cooperation has expanded into several areas, including trade, energy, infrastructure, education and technology. He also identified energy, ports, infrastructure, food security and logistics as areas offering significant potential for increased cooperation.

The minister said Saudi Arabia`s capital and technological expertise, combined with Bangladesh`s growing market, production capacity and skilled workforce, could create new opportunities for both countries.

He also underscored cooperation between Dhaka and Riyadh at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), saying the two countries continue to work together on regional peace, conflict mitigation and other global challenges.

Dr Moin Khan expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia`s development assistance to Bangladesh and said Dhaka was ready to work with Riyadh to turn the existing friendly relations into a more effective and productive partnership.

Religious and people-to-people bonds

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman, who attended the reception, also expressed hope for further strengthening Bangladesh-Saudi relations.

He highlighted the longstanding religious, cultural and people-to-people bonds between the two countries and said Bangladesh-Saudi relations go beyond conventional bilateral diplomacy.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman handed over a congratulatory letter addressed to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah.

In the letter, he conveyed greetings and congratulations to the Saudi King, the royal family, government and people on behalf of Bangladesh and its people on the occasion of the Saudi National Day.

He referred to the deep religious and emotional bonds between Saudi Arabia and Muslims around the world and appreciated the Kingdom`s role in serving and managing Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and the Prophet`s Mosque in Madinah.

He also appreciated Saudi Arabia`s services and cooperation for Muslims from different countries performing Hajj and Umrah.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman noted that the large Bangladeshi community living and working in Saudi Arabia has become an important bridge between the two countries and contributes to strengthening bilateral relations.

Growing areas of cooperation

The reception came at a time when Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia are seeking to expand cooperation beyond traditional areas. Trade and investment, energy, infrastructure, logistics, food security and technology have emerged as potential areas for greater engagement.

The two countries have also been exploring enhanced cooperation in defence and professional training. Earlier this month, Bangladesh`s Armed Forces Division said the Saudi ambassador and Bangladesh`s defence adviser discussed strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, including exchanges and advanced training between military institutions of the two countries.

The Saudi National Day reception therefore reflected the broadening dimensions of Bangladesh-Saudi relations, combining the longstanding religious and people-to-people bonds with growing economic, investment, infrastructure and strategic interests.

Saudi Arabia`s 96th National Day

Saudi Arabia is celebrating its 96th National Day under the theme “Our Pride Is in Our Nature.” The occasion commemorates the unification of the Kingdom and provides an opportunity to highlight Saudi national identity, achievements and its continuing transformation under Vision 2030.

For Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia remains an important partner in the Gulf, particularly because of the large Bangladeshi workforce in the Kingdom, strong religious and cultural links, expanding economic relations and cooperation in regional and multilateral affairs.

The latest discussions in Dhaka indicate an interest on both sides in building on these longstanding foundations and exploring new avenues of cooperation in the years ahead.