DHAKA, Aug 24, 2026 (BSS)- President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today urged the Saudi authorities to make the hajj pilgrimages of Bangladeshi nationals more convenient. The President made the call when ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer H Bin Abiyah paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban here today. The Saudi envoy conveyed the congratulation to the President on behalf of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on his assumption to the office as President, President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam told BSS. The President sought Saudi Arabia’s cooperation and support for Bangladesh amid the current global energy crisis and laid emphasis on increasing trade and investment between the two countries at both government and private-sector levels. Urging for making Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims stay in KSA more convenient the President particularly requested him for improving bathing and toilet facilities at Mina.  The Saudi ambassador assured to take appropriate measures in this regard. Mirza Fakhrul Islam expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia mentioning that more than 35 lakh Bangladeshi workers are employed in Saudi Arabia,  He urged the Saudi ambassador to ensure that Bangladesh continues to receive priority in manpower recruitment in the future. President Fakhrul Islam invited Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. During the meeting, the President termed Bangladesh’s relations with Saudi Arabia excellent saying it needs to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries. The Saudi ambassador assured that Saudi Arabia would continue support to energy, trade and investment sectors. President’s Secretary, Military Secretary, Press Secretary and senior government officials from foreign ministry were present.