Jamaat Ameer seeks stronger Bangladesh-Saudi ties, strategic partnershipLGRD Minister Moin Khan eyes strategic partnershipMM Rahmatullah: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman has expressed hope for further strengthening the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the deep religious, cultural and people-to-people bonds between the two countries.He made the remarks while attending a reception hosted by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Dhaka at a city hotel on Tuesday evening to mark the 96th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.During the reception, Dr Shafiqur Rahman handed over a congratulatory letter addressed to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to Saudi Ambassador in Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah.In the letter, the Opposition Leader conveyed greetings and congratulations to the Saudi King, the royal family, government and people on behalf of Bangladesh and its people on the occasion of the Saudi National Day.He referred to the deep religious and emotional bonds between Saudi Arabia and Muslims across the world and acknowledged the Kingdom's role in serving and managing Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.Dr Shafiqur Rahman also appreciated Saudi Arabia's cooperation and services to Muslims from different countries that perform Hajj and Umrah.He said Bangladesh-Saudi relations extend beyond conventional bilateral diplomacy, encompassing longstanding religious, cultural and people-to-people ties.The large Bangladeshi community living and working in Saudi Arabia, he noted, has also emerged as an important bridge between the two countries and contributed to strengthening bilateral relations.The Opposition Leader exchanged greetings with diplomats and other distinguished guests attending the reception.Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, Assistant Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum, Maulana Abdul Halim, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair and Ali Ahmad Mabrur, a member of the Opposition Leader's Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee, were also present.Moin Khan eyes strategic partnership: Speaking at the same reception as the chief guest, Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moin Khan said Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia were expected to further deepen their longstanding friendship and eventually elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.Congratulating the Saudi government and people on the occasion, Moin Khan said Bangladesh-Saudi relations go beyond conventional political and diplomatic ties, as they are rooted in religious bonds, historical connections, mutual respect and economic cooperation.He said bilateral cooperation has expanded over the years into a wide range of areas, including trade, energy, infrastructure, education and technology.“Saudi Arabia occupies a special place in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh,” the minister said, highlighting the contribution of millions of Bangladeshis living and working in Saudi Arabia to strengthening people-to-people relations.He expressed gratitude to the Saudi government and people for their support and care for Bangladeshi expatriate workers.Moin Khan also highlighted cooperation between the two countries at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He said Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia continue to work together on regional peace, conflict mitigation and other global challenges.Looking ahead, the minister said there was considerable scope to expand bilateral cooperation by combining Saudi Arabia's capital and technological expertise with Bangladesh's growing market, production capacity and skilled workforce.He identified energy, ports, infrastructure, food security and logistics as sectors where closer cooperation could create new opportunities for both countries.Expressing appreciation for Saudi Arabia's development assistance to Bangladesh, Moin Khan said Bangladesh was ready to work hand in hand with Saudi Arabia to transform the existing friendly relations into a more effective and productive partnership.He also wished peace, stability and prosperity for the Saudi government and people.The reception highlighted the broadening dimensions of Bangladesh-Saudi relations, with political leaders and diplomats underscoring the importance of religious and people-to-people connections alongside expanding opportunities in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, logistics and other sectors.The two countries have also been exploring greater cooperation in defence and professional training. Earlier this month, Bangladesh's Armed Forces Division said the Saudi ambassador and Bangladesh's defence adviser discussed strengthening cooperation, including exchanges and advanced training between Bangladeshi and Saudi military institutions.Saudi Arabia is observing its 96th National Day under the theme “Our Pride Is in Our Nature,” highlighting the Kingdom's national identity and its ongoing economic and social transformation under Vision 2030.