DHAKA, JULY 29 (V7N)– Bangladesh today urged Romania to resume labor recruitment from the South Asian nation and proposed the reopening of a full-fledged Romanian Embassy in Dhaka to foster deeper bilateral engagements. The call was made during a courtesy call by Sena Latif, the non-resident Ambassador of Romania to Bangladesh, on Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam at his office this afternoon.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with their existing bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors. Foreign Secretary Siam specifically proposed enhanced collaboration in trade, investment, labor mobility, education, and consular services.

Highlighting new opportunities for economic partnership, Siam identified key sectors for trade diversification and Romanian investment, including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), renewable energy, and agro-processing. He also suggested bolstering academic collaboration through joint scholarships, mutual recognition of degrees, and academic exchange programs between universities in the two countries.

Ambassador Latif acknowledged and appreciated the proposals, assuring the Foreign Secretary that she would convey them to the Romanian authorities for consideration. She also took note of Bangladesh's request to facilitate visa services for prospective Bangladeshi students and workers, particularly through interim consular arrangements, to ease the process.

The Foreign Secretary assured Ambassador Latif of the Bangladesh government's full support in fulfilling her duties and responsibilities, aiming to further strengthen bilateral relations during her tenure.

Background:

While Bangladesh opened its embassy in Bucharest in 1973 (though it operated until 1995 and was reopened in July 2020), Romania maintained an embassy in Dhaka until 1997. Currently, Romania's diplomatic presence in Dhaka is primarily through an Honorary Consulate, with the non-resident Ambassador operating from New Delhi, India.

Bangladesh has been actively seeking to expand its labor market for overseas employment, and Romania has emerged as a promising destination. In recent years, Romania has approved the recruitment of a significant number of foreign workers, including Bangladeshis, particularly in sectors like construction, agriculture, hospitality, and services. However, challenges related to visa processing, exploitation by middlemen, and some Bangladeshi workers attempting to use Romania as a transit route to other European countries have been reported. The call for reopening a full embassy in Dhaka directly addresses the need for more streamlined consular services and direct governmental oversight of labor migration to ensure safer and more transparent processes.

Discussions have been ongoing, with the Romanian President expressing interest in expanding labor recruitment from Bangladesh as recently as February 2025, and assurances made to resolve visa challenges. This latest meeting further solidifies Bangladesh's proactive stance in revitalizing and expanding its relationship with Romania.

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