Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser to the Interim Government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, is set to participate in the World Governments Summit 2025, scheduled to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from February 11 to 13.
His brief visit comes at a time when Bangladesh has been facing prolonged difficulties in obtaining UAE visas.
In December last year, UAE
Ambassador to Bangladesh, Abdullah Ali Abdullah Khaseif AlHmoudi, assured that the visa complications would be resolved by February 2025. At the time, the UAE envoy stated, “Visas for Bangladeshis were not halted for any political reason.
The complications over UAE visas for Bangladeshi nationals will be resolved between January and February next year.”
It is expected that Dr. Yunus’s visit to the UAE may bring positive outcomes, particularly given his previous intervention in securing the release of 75 Bangladeshi prisoners who had been jailed for violating UAE laws after demonstrating in support of Bangladesh’s mass upsurge in July-August last year.
At the request of Dr. Yunus, the UAE government pardoned and released the prisoners, strengthening expectations that his upcoming visit may help facilitate the reopening of UAE visas for Bangladeshis.
According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Rafiqul Alam, Dr. Yunus is attending the prestigious summit following an invitation from Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The Chief Adviser has confirmed his participation, marking a significant opportunity for Bangladesh to engage on a global platform.
Established in 2013, under the leadership of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the World Governments Summit serves as a global platform to exchange governmental experiences.
Over the past decade, the summit has played a key role in bringing together thought leaders, global decision-makers, private sector leaders, and international organizations from 140 countries.
This year’s summit will focus on strengthening partnerships between governments and citizens through global dialogue and enhanced cooperation. The Chief Adviser’s participation will provide an opportunity to present Bangladesh’s perspectives on various global challenges.
Additionally, bilateral meetings with heads of state and government officials from different countries are expected to take place during the summit.
The organisers have also invited the Chief Justice, the Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs, and the Executive Chairman (Senior Secretary) of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) to speak in various sessions.
Bangladesh and the UAE share historically strong bilateral relations, further strengthened by economic cooperation and common political interests. A large Bangladeshi expatriate community in the UAE plays a vital role in remittance inflows to Bangladesh.
Bilateral trade in textiles, agricultural products, and energy has been growing steadily. Both countries also collaborate actively in international forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The UAE government has been investing in key sectors in Bangladesh, particularly in infrastructure and healthcare.
During Dr. Yunus’s visit, courtesy meetings with political and business leaders attending the summit are expected, potentially furthering bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Bangladeshi Involvement in Russia-Ukraine War
Addressing concerns regarding Bangladeshi citizens’ involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Rafiqul Alam stated, “A Bangladeshi agency lured several Bangladeshi nationals with promises of employment in Russia and various European countries. Eventually, these individuals were forced to engage in the Russia-Ukraine war.”
He added that relevant ministries have been directed to investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate legal action against the recruiting and travel agencies involved.
Furthermore, the government has instructed authorities to enhance surveillance at international airports in Bangladesh, particularly for citizens traveling to Russia on tourist visas or those holding valid Russian travel documents.
Update on Bangladeshi Peacekeepers in DR Congo Regarding the safety of Bangladeshi peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), Alam confirmed that all 1,755 Bangladeshi peacekeepers, including Bangladesh Police personnel, are safe.
However, he noted that some facilities have been damaged due to bombings. In response, a Bangladesh Air Force transport aircraft has been relocated to Uganda, while three helicopters have been transferred from Goma to Bunia.
Bangladeshi peacekeepers are actively engaged in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in DR Congo (MONUSCO).
Apart from these peacekeepers, there is no significant presence of Bangladeshi expatriates residing in DR Congo.
