Baku:Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SABCCI) has voiced significant concern over the ongoing conflict and security situation in the Middle East. The chamber has urged the Bangladesh government and the international community to take effective steps to ensure the safety of Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia and to resolve the crisis peacefully through dialogue.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, SABCCI expressed sympathy for those affected by the conflict, including Bangladeshis, and called for urgent diplomatic initiatives to restore normalcy.
SABCCI warned that prolonged instability could adversely impact employment, remittances, imports and exports, trade, and investment. This concern arises from the longstanding friendly relations and economic ties between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.
The chamber highlighted recent media reports that noted the cancellation of 82 flights, disrupting the deployment of over 13,000 Bangladeshi workers scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia. It cautioned that ongoing disruptions could lead to uncertainty regarding workers' job security and the financial well-being of their families, affecting Bangladesh's foreign exchange earnings and overall economy.
To address these challenges, SABCCI urged coordinated measures from the Bangladesh government, relevant ministries, manpower and employment authorities, and international stakeholders. It suggested considering visa extensions, coordination with employers, alternative arrangements for joining workplaces, and necessary administrative and financial assistance for affected workers.
The chamber emphasized that effective diplomatic initiatives, international dialogue, and mutual cooperation could help achieve a swift and peaceful resolution to the situation. It also called on all parties to safeguard the security, employment, and welfare of Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia, maintaining the two countries' friendly relations, trade cooperation, and economic progress.