His Excellency Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed, Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, in Dhaka on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, in his capacity as the Special Envoy of His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Dr Haidar was appointed as the President’s Special Envoy to attend the state funeral held in honour of the late Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, reflecting the Maldives’ deep respect for her legacy and the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
During the call, the Chief Adviser thanked Minister Dr Haidar for visiting Bangladesh at short notice, underscoring the value placed on the close and trusted relationship shared between Malé and Dhaka. Minister Dr Haidar conveyed condolences and best wishes from President Dr Muizzu, noting that the late former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was regarded as a close friend of the Maldives. He further highlighted Bangladesh’s special place in Maldivian society, particularly in view of the significant contribution of Bangladeshi migrant workers to national development across key sectors, and reaffirmed the Maldives’ appreciation for Bangladesh’s continued support in providing opportunities for Maldivian medical students to complete their internships.
The meeting also reflected a forward-looking focus on regional engagement and practical cooperation. The Chief Adviser remarked that the Maldives remains a close friend of Bangladesh and shared that, having met leaders from all member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), he felt reassured that SAARC remains active and relevant. Minister Dr Haidar extended best wishes to the Chief Adviser for the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, while the Chief Adviser briefed the Minister on the current political situation and thanked the Maldives for its continued support. Both sides identified ocean research as a promising area for strengthened collaboration, aligning with shared maritime interests and opportunities for knowledge exchange. The call concluded with Minister Dr Haidar formally handing over a message of condolence from President Dr Muizzu to the Chief Adviser, reaffirming the Maldives’ solidarity with the Government and people of Bangladesh at this time.
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