In Medina, Saudi Arabia, the Imam of the Prophet’s Holy Mosque, Sheikh Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Buayan, has referred to Bangladesh as his second home. He mentioned that despite the geographical distance between the two countries, the people of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia share a strong religious bond.
During a courtesy call with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganobhaban on Sunday evening, Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Buayan stated these remarks. At the end of the meeting, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim informed journalists that Sheikh Hasina and the people of Bangladesh wish well-being and prosperity to the Prophet’s Imam in the Mosque.
The Press Secretary said that Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Buayan wished the Prime Minister a long life and stated that most of the caretakers in the Mosque of the Prophet are Bangladeshis.
During the meeting, Sheikh Hasina welcomed the Imam of the Prophet at the Mosque in Medina and stated that his presence at the National Imam’s Conference in 2023 would encourage the people of Bangladesh towards the true essence of Islam.
Sheikh Hasina also mentioned that she will participate in the international conference on climate issues to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and will offer prayers at the holy Rauza Mubarak of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In response, Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Buayan expressed that he would eagerly await the opportunity to see the Prime Minister at the Mosque.
At the same time, Patrick Van Der Weijden, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), had a courtesy meeting with the Prime Minister. The Press Secretary informed that Patrick Van Der Weijden praised the Prime Minister’s leadership in climate change issues in various international forums.
In response, Sheikh Hasina mentioned that her government is working on the afforestation project to create a green belt in the upstream region through the tree plantation program. On the other hand, her party, the Awami League, has been planting trees for construction since 1985.
Ambassador at Large Mohammad Ziauddin, Special Envoy of the Presidency of the Climate Vulnerable Forum Abul Kalam Azad, and Prime Minister’s Office Secretary Mohammad Salauddin were present at the time.
