His Excellency Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed, Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, called on His Excellency Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, this afternoon in Dhaka, in his capacity as the Special Envoy of His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
Minister Dr Haidar was appointed as the President’s Special Envoy to attend the state funeral held in honour of the late Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
During the call, the Chief Adviser thanked the Minister for visiting Bangladesh at short notice. Minister Dr Haidar conveyed condolences and best wishes from President Dr Muizzu and noted that the late former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was a close friend of the Maldives. He underscored that Bangladesh holds a special place for the Maldives, particularly in view of the significant contribution of Bangladeshi migrant workers to Maldivian society. He also expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s continued support in providing opportunities for Maldivian medical students to complete their internships.
The Chief Adviser remarked that the Maldives is a close friend of Bangladesh and shared that, having met leaders from all member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), he felt reassured that SAARC remains very much alive.
Minister Dr Haidar conveyed his best wishes to the Chief Adviser for the upcoming elections in Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser briefed the Minister on the current political situation in the country and thanked the Maldives for its continued support. He further highlighted ocean research as an area with strong potential for enhanced cooperation between the two countries, an interest echoed by the Minister.
The call concluded with Minister Dr Haidar handing over a message of condolence from President Dr Muizzu to the Chief Adviser.