Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has emphasized the need to resolve challenges faced by Bangladeshi expatriates within the country before their departure to ease the burden on overseas missions. Speaking at an event commemorating Foreign Service Day 2025 at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, he highlighted that 80% of expatriate issues originate domestically.
Adviser Hossain pointed out that while the remaining 20% of challenges arise in destination countries, Bangladesh’s missions abroad manage the entire spectrum of problems, often with limited resources.
Using the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as an example, he noted that the mission, staffed by only 50 personnel, serves approximately 3.2 million Bangladeshi expatriates, underscoring the strain on resources.
"So, if there are 50 mission officials and employees in Saudi Arabia, how could it be possible for them to resolve problems of 10 lakh people," he added.
"So, we have to start from Dhaka to minimise the problems," he further said.
Drawing the attention of his colleagues, the foreign adviser observed that those expatriates who visit Bangladesh missions abroad for various services usually do not do so by choice.
"There could be some people among the expatriates who create problems, but most of them come to the missions after facing very difficult situations," he said, urging mission officials to try their heart and soul to ensure they receive the required services.
He also mentioned that efforts are underway to increase the workforce in various missions, especially in consulate general offices.
He added that while mission officials and staff may face their own challenges, the problems encountered by expatriates are often much greater.
