Government to Enhance Staffing at Bangladesh Missions Abroad to Better Support Expatriates

In an effort to improve services for millions of expatriates, Bangladesh’s government is taking steps to increase the number of personnel at its overseas missions, particularly at consulate general offices. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain announced these plans during a discussion held in Dhaka on Foreign Service Day-2025 at the Foreign Service Academy.

Hossain emphasized that while about 80% of the challenges faced by Bangladeshi migrant workers stem from domestic processes before migration, the remaining issues arise abroad. However, he pointed out that Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions overseas are responsible for addressing the full scope of these problems. Despite manpower constraints, these missions are currently providing assistance to over 10 million expatriates worldwide.

He referred to the example of Saudi Arabia, where approximately 3.2 million Bangladeshis reside, questioning how 50 officials at a mission could adequately address the challenges of such a large population. Hossain called for reforms to alleviate the systemic difficulties at home, urging that efforts must begin in Dhaka to ease the burdens on foreign missions.

Further, he stressed the importance of empathy towards expatriates, noting that most of them do not visit consulates by choice but are often in dire need of help. He urged foreign mission officials to approach their work with sincerity and dedication, recognizing the significant contributions expatriates make to Bangladesh’s economy.

In addition to his remarks on expatriate services, Hossain also touched upon the ongoing Rohingya repatriation crisis, describing Bangladesh’s position as a “dilemma.” He cited the Arakan Army, a non-state actor controlling parts of Myanmar’s Rakhine state, as a significant obstacle to resolution. Despite not being an internationally recognized entity, the presence of the Arakan Army complicates any potential solutions to the crisis, Hossain noted.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and several former diplomats also participated in the discussion, reflecting on the significance of Foreign Service Day, which honors the bravery and commitment of Bangladesh’s diplomatic corps during the Liberation War of 1971.