The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) will continue to recruit Bangladeshi workers, said Abdulaziz Fahad M Al Ibrahim, deputy head of Mission of the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka.
Addressing a press briefing in the embassy, he said that they issue 4,000 to 6,000 visas for Bangladeshis every day.
The briefing was organised to mark the inauguration of Sacrificial Meat Distribution Project for the year 2024.
"This initiative exemplifies the humanitarian values of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its pioneering role in assisting impoverished communities worldwide, including our brothers and sisters in the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
"Under the wise leadership of the custodian of the two holy mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz-may Allah protect them-the Kingdom's Project for Utilisation of Hajj Meat has successfully distributed 40,000 sacrifices to deserving beneficiaries in Bangladesh," said Mr Ibrahim.
This effort was carried out in collaboration with local authorities and the active participation of the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka, ensuring that the meat reached those in need across various regions, thereby promoting social solidarity and supporting underprivileged families.
The Kingdom's Project for Utilisation of Hajj Meat stands as a remarkable legacy spanning over four decades, serving pilgrims in Makkah through massive operational complexes that cover more than one million square meters, he said.
"This project is among the largest logistical operations globally, managed by over 25,000 skilled personnel, including veterinarians, Islamic jurists, butchers, and support staff, in collaboration with public and private sector service and regulatory entities" he said.
The project's state-of-the-art freezing facilities, among the largest in the world, can store over one million livestock at a time, ensuring that meat is preserved and distributed fresh.
Beneficiaries include the poor of the Haram and vulnerable populations in more than 25 countries around the globe. Since its establishment in 2015, KRelief, in collaboration with the Saudi Fund for Development, has implemented more than 3,117 projects in 105 countries with a total value exceeding $7 billion.
Some of the most notable initiatives in Bangladesh include the "Noor Saudi" Initiative for Combating Blindness, which provided thousands of surgeries, examinations, and eyeglasses.
Another one is the 'Food Basket Distribution Project', launched earlier this year, benefiting thousands of vulnerable families.
Besides, the "Ibsar Saudi" Volunteer Program, which focuses on combating blindness among schoolchildren in partnership with international organisations.
Responding to a question on the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman to Bangladesh as predicted by the previous government, he said they are not aware when the visit will take place.
"Whenever we hear about it from our ministry, we will let you know," he added.
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