Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today requested consideration of the government of Maldives for the regularisation of the undocumented Bangladeshi expatriates living in the country and to recruit more workforce from Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser conveyed this to High Commissioner of Maldives Shiuneen Rasheed when she called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladeshi expatriates are working in the Maldives, mainly in the tourism and fishing industries. A good number of Bangladeshi physicians are also contributing to the Maldivian healthcare sector. The High Commissioner expressed gratitude to the Chief Adviser, sharing that Maldivian students are currently pursuing education in various institutions in Bangladesh, particularly in the field of medical education.
The Chief Adviser emphasized Bangladesh’s readiness to welcome more students from the Maldives, fostering educational exchanges between the two nations. He greeted the High Commissioner, acknowledging her first ambassadorial role in Bangladesh, and expressed hope for strengthened bilateral relations during her tenure.
High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed highlighted the expanding trade relations between Bangladesh and the Maldives, noting a significant increase in imports, including pharmaceuticals, from Bangladesh. She expressed optimism that the Maldives’ development vision would pave the way for further cooperation between the two countries. She also mentioned the establishment of businesses by some Bangladeshi companies in the Maldives and reported a 17.5 percent increase in Bangladeshi tourists visiting the Maldives last year.
The envoy extended her appreciation to the Chief Adviser for his efforts in climate change mitigation. “We are really encouraged by your commitment to climate action, and Maldives wants to continue collaboration with Bangladesh on the issue of climate change,” she stated.