Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia discuss parliamentary cooperation
Saudi Ambassador Dr Abdullah Zafer H Bin Abiyah met with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, MP, at the Speaker's office in Dhaka today.
During the meeting, the Speaker emphasised the deep, longstanding ties between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.
He noted that a significant number of Bangladeshi pilgrims travel to Makkah and Madinah each year for Hajj, adding that this shared religious bond deepens mutual respect and reinforces bilateral friendship.
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The Speaker stated that Bangladesh's democratic progress was upheld through the national parliamentary election held in February 2026.
He further observed that the democratic rights of Bangladeshis were undermined during elections held under the previous Awami League government over the past 16 years.
Both sides discussed strengthening inter-parliamentary relations and forming a parliamentary friendship group.
They also exchanged views on the roles of the United States and Iran in the ongoing Middle East crisis.
The Speaker called on the Saudi ambassador to encourage the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to play a more active role in resolving the Rohingya crisis.
Members of the Saudi embassy delegation and senior officials from the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were present at the meeting.
