The Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SABCCI) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict and security situation in the Middle East, urging the Bangladesh government and the international community to take effective steps to ensure the safety of Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia and resolve the crisis peacefully through dialogue.
In a press release issued here today, the chamber expressed sympathy for all those affected by the conflict, including Bangladeshis, and called for urgent diplomatic initiatives to restore normalcy.
SABCCI warned that prolonged instability could adversely affect employment, remittances, imports and exports, trade and investment, considering the longstanding friendly relations and economic ties between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.
Citing recent media reports, the chamber said the cancellation of 82 flights over the past few days had disrupted the deployment of more than 13,000 Bangladeshi workers scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia to join their workplaces.
It warned that a prolonged disruption could create uncertainty over workers' timely joining, job security and the financial well-being of their families, while also affecting Bangladesh's foreign exchange earnings and overall economy.
The chamber urged the Bangladesh government, relevant ministries, manpower and employment authorities, and international stakeholders to take coordinated measures to address the uncertainty facing Saudi-bound workers.
It also called for consideration of visa extensions, coordination with employers, alternative arrangements for joining workplaces, and necessary administrative and financial assistance for affected workers.
SABCCI said effective diplomatic initiatives, international dialogue and mutual cooperation could help bring about a swift and peaceful resolution to the situation.
It also urged all concerned parties to safeguard the security, employment and welfare of Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia and maintain the two countries' friendly relations, trade cooperation and economic progress, reports BSS.