Ref: 2025/PR/05

25 February 2025, Dhaka

High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed paid a courtesy call on Professor Mumammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, at the Chief Adviser’s office in Dhaka.

During the call, High Commissioner Shiuneen conveyed the warmest greetings of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the people of the Maldives, reaffirming the longstanding and historic ties between the Maldives and Bangladesh. She expressed appreciation for Professor Younus’ leadership and Bangladesh’s remarkable transformation under his guidance.

Highlighting the integral role of Bangladeshi expatriates in socio-economic development of the Maldives, High Commissioner Shiuneen underscored the Government’s ongoing efforts to formalize migrant workers’ legal status, ensuring equitable rights, protections, and welfare through a structured regularization program, noting the challenges faced by a significant number of undocumented Bangladeshi workers currently without formal work visa. In response, Chief Adviser Yunus acknowledged the significance of this issue and pledged Bangladesh’s full cooperation to support the regularization process.

High Commissioner Shiuneen noted the increasing number of Maldivian students pursuing education in Bangladesh, especially in medical fields. Chief Adviser Yunus welcomed more Maldivian students to continue their studies in Bangladesh and assured facilitative measures to enhance academic opportunities for Maldivian students.

High Commissioner highlighted the robust growth in imports of Bangladeshi pharmaceuticals to the Maldives. Tourism data reveals a notable 17.5% increase in Bangladeshi tourist arrivals to the Maldives over the past year, positioning Bangladesh as the 13th largest source market for Maldivian tourism.

Both the High Commissioner and the Chief Adviser emphasised their commitment to addressing climate change challenges, recognising the shared vulnerabilities as climate sensitive nations. High Commissioner Shiuneen commended Bangladesh's role in global climate action forums, recognizing its advocacy for climate vulnerable nations.

ENDs

Ref: 2025/PR/04

23 February 2025, Dhaka

High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed paid a courtesy call on Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Naval Staff of Bangladesh, at the Naval Headquarters in Dhaka.

Admiral Nazmul, who previously served as the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the Maldives, warmly welcomed High Commissioner Shiuneen. Reflecting on his tenure in the Maldives, particularly during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, he commended the country’s remarkable recovery and expressed gratitude for the support extended by the Government of the Maldives.

High Commissioner Shiuneen expressed her deep appreciation for Admiral Nazmul’s contributions, particularly in facilitating the repatriation of Maldivian students from Bangladesh and Nepal and coordinating the deployment of a Bangladeshi naval vessel carrying essential supplies to the Maldives during the height of the pandemic. She also conveyed her gratitude for his continued support, in his current capacity as Chief of Naval Staff, towards strengthening cooperation with the Maldives National Defence Force and the Coast Guard.

Their discussions focused on expanding collaboration in the military and naval sectors, with both sides underscoring the importance of joint training and capacity-building programmes to enhance operational capabilities, particularly in coastal protection and maritime security.

High Commissioner Shiuneen also briefed Admiral Nazmul on the Government of the Maldives’ initiatives to combat irregular migration and its ongoing efforts to regularise undocumented workers. Admiral Nazmul acknowledged the significance of this issue and commended the Maldives for its proactive approach.

Admiral Nazmul also assured the High Commissioner of his continued support and assistance to the Maldives in the naval sector.

Recognising Bangladesh’s growing shipbuilding industry and the Maldives’ evolving maritime security requirements, both sides explored avenues to deepen defence and naval cooperation, laying the foundation for future collaboration.

ENDs

Ref: 2025/PR/03

4 February 2025, Dhaka

High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed met with Dr. Md. Nazmul Alam Khan, Principal of Mymensingh Medical College, to discuss the advancement of medical education cooperation between the Maldives and Bangladesh.

During the talks at the medical college campus, Dr. Khan outlined the institution's extensive range of medical programmes, which encompass both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The discussions centred on prospective training opportunities and academic partnerships that could benefit Maldivian medical students.

The meeting highlighted the existing collaboration between the Maldives and Bangladesh, evidenced by the current enrolment of a Maldivian student in the college's medical programme. The High Commissioner emphasised her interest in strengthening these educational bonds. The meeting also explored various avenues for expanding student intake and establishing new pathways for academic exchange. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation in healthcare education between the Maldives and Bangladesh.

The discussions concluded with both the High Commissioner and the Principal expressing optimism about future collaborations and the potential for increased educational opportunities for Maldivian students at Mymensingh Medical College.

-ENDS