DHAKA, May 12, 2024 (BSS) - The visiting Saudi delegation led by Deputy Interior Minister Dr Nasser Bin Abdulaziz Al Dawood laid emphasis on the safe return of the Rohingyas to their homeland as soon as possible.
 
During a bilateral meeting with Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal today, the Saudi delegation also discussed the present situation of 
 
Rohingyas who fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar's Rakhine region facing persecution by Myanmar authorities. 
 
"The bilateral discussion with the Saudi delegation focused on many issues including ways of extending cooperation for enhancing the capacity of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the police," home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told journalists after the meeting at a city hotel. 
 
"They discussed ways to enhance understanding in terms of security cooperation," he added. 
 
Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal who led the Bangladesh delegation during the meeting said the Saudi delegation raised the issue of progress of efforts regarding renewing the passports of the Rohingyas who went to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in 1973-74 with Bangladeshi passports.
 
"Many years ago - back in 1973-74, some Rohingyas went to Saudi Arabia. The exact number is unknown to us. They (Saudi side) had informed us that the number is 69,000. It could be more or less," Kamal added.
 
He said a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the KSA there.