Dhaka: President Mohammed Shahabuddin today urged the Kuwait government to recruit more skilled and semi-skilled manpower from Bangladesh. He made the call when the ambassador-designate of Kuwait, Ali Tunyan Abdul Wahab Hamadah, presented his credentials to the President at Bangabhaban.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Kuwait currently hosts over 3.50 lakh Bangladeshi workers. The President expressed gratitude for the recruitment of skilled professionals, including nurses and technical staff. He suggested exploring ways to build on the 2023 recruitment of Bangladeshi nurses and technical staff to meet Kuwait’s growing demand for skilled manpower. President’s press secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed newsmen on the development.
President Shahabuddin also sought increased investment from Kuwait in Bangladesh, particularly in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and sectors such as shipbuilding, energy, infrastructure development, and pharmaceuticals. He emphasized Bangladesh’s immediate need for refined petroleum products and requested Kuwait’s support in meeting these demands at an affordable price.
The President expressed gratitude for Kuwait’s support in the Rohingya crisis, appreciating its humanitarian contributions to Bangladesh’s efforts to host over one million displaced Myanmar citizens. He sought continued bilateral and multilateral support from Kuwait for the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas.
Recalling Bangladesh’s role in Kuwait’s liberation during the Gulf War in 1991, President Shahabuddin described it as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries. He acknowledged the contribution of Bangladeshi Armed Forces personnel in Kuwait and expressed a willingness to expand this partnership.
Highlighting the excellent bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Kuwait, the President expressed a desire to further enhance the existing friendly and cooperative relationship. He extended an invitation to His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to visit Bangladesh at his earliest convenience.
The new Ambassador praised the contribution of Bangladeshi manpower in Kuwait, describing them as hard-working and dedicated. He sought the President’s cooperation in discharging his duties in Dhaka.
Foreign Secretary Md Jasim Uddin, President’s Military Secretary Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury, and Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam were present at the ceremony. Earlier, a contingent of the horse-mounted President Guard Regiments (PGR) provided the ambassador with an ‘honor guard’ as part of the state ceremony.