by Hafizur Rahman
Dhaka, April 21, 2026 — The Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah, has urged authorities to speed up the process of issuing Bangladeshi passports to around 69,000 Rohingyas currently living in Saudi Arabia.
He made the request during a meeting with Bangladesh’s Home Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, at the Secretariat on Sunday.
The Home Minister said that about 22,000 Rohingyas have already received Bangladeshi passports after verification of their documents. He added that a special team has been sent from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia to accelerate the process.
He also said that no corruption or illegal activity would be allowed in issuing these passports.
During the meeting, both sides discussed law and order, security, and possible cooperation between the two countries. They also discussed Saudi investment opportunities in Bangladesh, particularly in tourism, energy, and overseas employment.
The minister said that Myanmar nationals who have valid Bangladeshi documents or meet the required conditions may be considered for passports. He also mentioned the need to collect a complete list of Rohingyas in Saudi Arabia for rechecking.
The Saudi ambassador invited the Home Minister to visit Saudi Arabia, and the minister said he may travel there in early July.
Senior officials from the Home Ministry were also present at the meeting.
