The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The outgoing Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdullah M Al Obaid Al Namlah yesterday apprised Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed that the visa issuance procedure for Bangladeshis to Saudi Arabia will be fully functional from today.

The Embassy authorities in Dhaka have taken all out measurers to remove all impediments, including problems in computer server, for issuance of visa today, Namlah said.

The Saudi Ambassador made the assertion while paying a farewell call on Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed at his office here yesterday.

Namlah also informed the Chief Adviser that a two-day meeting of the Joint Economic Commission of the two countries will begin in Dhaka on April 7 next to discuss bilateral trade, investment and business issues.

The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh attaches top priority to its relationship with Saudi Arabia and hoped that the existing bilateral relations will be further strengthened in the years to come.

He expressed gratitude on his behalf as well as the people of Bangladesh to the government and people of Saudi Arabia for their generous and timely support for the cyclone Sidr affected people of the country.

Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed also requested the ambassador to convey his thanks to the Saudi King for his personal donation for the cyclone victims.

He appreciated the King-the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques-for his magnificent management of this year's Hajj and his cooperation to the Chief Adviser in performing the Hajj properly.

Lauding the ambassador for his eight-year successful tenure in Bangladesh, the Chief Adviser requested him to appraise the Saudi investors of the existing potential investment environment in Bangladesh.

He thanked the ambassador for his role in expanding Bangladesh's relations with other countries during his stay in Dhaka as the Dean of the Diplomatic corps.

Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed invited the King of Saudi Arabia through the ambassador to visit Bangladesh.

Namlah thanked the government as well as the people of Bangladesh for their hospitalities during his tenure as an ambassador.

Among others, Secretary to the Chief Adviser's Office (CAO) Kazi M. Aminul Islam and Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Syed Fahim Munaim, were present on the occasion.