level Bangladeshi delegation led by Engr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Minister of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment (EWOE), visited the Kingdom at the invitation of Saudi Labor Minister Adel M. Fakeih to discuss several bilateral issues. Comprising the delegation were Dr. Zafar Ahamed Khan, secretary at the Ministry of EWOE; Shaikh Wahiduzzaman, principal secretary of the Prime Minister; Begum Shamsun Nahar, director-general at the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET); and Abu Hena, the minister's secretary. Hossain met with Prince Sattam Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Governor of Riyadh. He also met with Dr. Ahmad Al Salem, undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior, at the Royal Conference Palace on Feb. 26. The delegation also met with Governor of Eastern Province Prince Muhammad Bin Fahd Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The devoted comrades of Bangabandhu held a gathering in honor of the delegation on Feb. 25 at the Riyadh Palace Hotel, where Bangladeshi Ambassador M. Shahidul Islam, other diplomats and community members were present. Hossain said that severe action will be taken against troublemakers who harm the country's image by committing crimes like killing and stealing in Saudi Arabia. “I am going to inform the Saudi authorities to take action against the culprits, according to the law of the host country. To those tarnishing our other expatriate brothers' image in this holy land, no sympathy will be shown,” he said. Islam in his address also urged his countrymen to honor Saudi law. The delegation aimed to boost manpower export to the Kingdom and address expatriates' welfare, specifically Iqama (residence permit) transfer which sources said was the foremost topic of discussion. Iqama transfer for Bangladeshi expatriates has been suspended, making it difficult for them to leave one company to join another that offers better remuneration packages. Saudi Arabia is the top destination of Bangladeshi expatriates. About two million Bangladeshis currently hold jobs in the Kingdom. Several community leaders, including Dr. Arif, Dr. Masud, Engr. Moyazzem, Salauddin Faruk, Noor Uddin and Mohammed Ali, also voiced problems and difficulties their communities are facing. __
