CA Yunus urges Maldives to regularise undocumented Bangladeshi workers

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged the Maldivian government to consider regularising undocumented Bangladeshi expatriates and to recruit more workers from Bangladesh.  

He made the request during a meeting with Maldives' High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka today (25 February), according to a press release from CA Press Wing. 

Bangladeshi workers are mainly employed in the Maldivian tourism and fishing industries, while a significant number of Bangladeshi physicians also work in the country.  

During the meeting, High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed expressed gratitude to the Chief Adviser, noting that many Maldivian students are currently studying in Bangladesh, particularly in medical institutions. In response, Yunus said Bangladesh was ready to welcome more students from the Maldives.  

Welcoming the High Commissioner, who is serving in her first ambassadorial role in Bangladesh, Yunus expressed hope that her tenure would further strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.  

The Maldivian envoy highlighted the growing trade ties between the two countries. 

"Our imports from Bangladesh have increased, including pharmaceuticals," she said, adding that the Maldives' development plans would create more opportunities for cooperation. 

She also noted that some Bangladeshi businesses had established operations in the Maldives and that the number of Bangladeshi tourists visiting the island nation had grown by 17.5% in the past year.  

The High Commissioner also thanked Yunus for his role in advocating for 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 said.