Saudi Ambassador to get Bangladesh Diplomatic Excellence Award

The name of the Bangabandhu Award for Diplomatic Excellence is being changed. From this year, the award will be called 'Bangladesh Diplomatic Excellence Award'.

For the first time, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Issa bin Youssef Al-Duhailan will receive this award under the new name, said an official from the Foreign Ministry.

The official said the award will be formally presented to Ambassador Al-Duhailan by the end of this month. Plans are underway to organise a special event on the occasion.

Foreign Ministry sources said that Saudi Ambassador Al-Duhailan has played an important role in strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. Under his leadership, significant progress has been made in various fields including employment, and trade and investment between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. In particular, his efforts in sending workers from Bangladesh and increasing benefits for expatriate Bangladeshis living in Saudi Arabia are commendable.

A Foreign Ministry official said, "Al-Duhailan's work has added a new dimension to the relations between the two countries. His skillful leadership and far-sighted diplomatic policy are inspiring for us. Therefore, the decision to award him this honour is logical."

This award was introduced in 2020. The award consists of a gold medal weighing two pounds and a citation. However, this time the medal reportedly will weigh more than three pounds.