RIYADH, 27 March 2004 — The image of Bangladeshi expatriates in the Kingdom is improving, according to Bangladeshi Ambassador Sharjil K. Hassan.
He was speaking at the 33rd Independence and National Day celebrations after hoisting the flag at the embassy premises yesterday. He said complaints about criminal behavior by Bangladeshi expatriates were down and their Saudi employers were by and large satisfied with their performance.
But he reminded Bangladeshis that they are responsible for their country’s image in this part of the world.
“Every Bangladeshi should take a solemn pledge to dedicate himself to the good of his motherland as well as his host country, which helps him to earn his bread,” Hassan told his countrymen.
In Jeddah Consul General Mohammad Zafor presided over a ceremony where messages from President Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Foreign Minister M. Morshed Khan were read.
They urged Bangladeshis at home and abroad to remain united and continue to work for the development of the country.
Bangladesh became independent after a nine-month long war in 1971.
Flag raising ceremonies were also held at the community’s Bangladesh International School’s Bengali and English sections.
The Kingdom has a Bangladeshi workforce of 1.2 million, who in 2002 remitted $1.25 billion to their country.
They are mostly laborers and domestic workers, with a smattering of medical and other professionals.
