Libya keen to deepen manpower ties with Bangladesh

March 23, 2009
Source: The Daily Star

The Libyan ambassador said yesterday his country would increase the number of Bangladeshi workers recruited by his country.

The Libyan embassy in Dhaka is currently issuing 300 visas a day on average and the number will increase, backed by high demand for workers in the oil-rich North African country.

“Libya is reconstructing itself. Under this scheme, more than a hundred billion dollars will be spent to reconstruct the country and its bridges," said Libyan Ambassador to Bangladesh Ahmed Ateya Hamd Al-Imam.

"Bangladesh and Libya signed an agreement on manpower in Dhaka last year. Under the agreement, we would take in a large number of workers, in phases,” the envoy said.

The ambassador met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hasan Mahmud at the foreign ministry.

Mahmud expressed satisfaction at the progress in the recruitment of manpower in Libya, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“Bangladesh attaches much importance to its relations with the Muslim country. We voted for Libya in the Security Council and Human Rights Council in the UN," Mahmud said.

"Currently, the country is playing an important role in Africa and in the international arena," he said.

The ambassador lauded Bangladesh's role in peacekeeping in Africa. He also expressed condolences at the loss of lives of the army officials at BDR Headquarters last month.