President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih placed an official phone call to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday afternoon, during which both parties discussed matters related to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.
Both leaders informed each other on the current status of their countries and spoke of the challenges of the outbreak, as well as the measures that their governments are taking in response.
According to the President's Office, President Solih "warmly acknowledged the recent generosity of the Bangladeshi government, thanking them for their assistance in repatriating hundreds of Maldivians who had been resident in Bangladesh and for the medical assistance and equipment that they recently provided to the Maldives."
Sheikh Hasina responded that she was more than happy to be of assistance, noting that she felt it is the duty of the region’s leaders to support each other during these adverse times.
Moreover, she added that the Bangladeshi government is ready to assist in any way that they can, from ensuring regional food security to sending medical personnel.
President Solih, assured Hasina that he would not differentiate between foreigners and citizens, as his administration implements measures to contain COVID-19.
President Solih affirmed that the health and security of everyone currently in the Maldives is the government’s highest priority.
Moreover, he acknowledged that several Bangladeshi expatriates have tested positive for the virus in the Maldives, in addition to many Maldivians. The latest numbers show that a total of 30 expatriates have tested positive for the virus, out of which 24 are Bangladesh nationals.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid during the ceremony held Wednesday morning to handover the aid items from Bangladesh to Maldives.
There assuarances are being made at a time when there has been an increase in xenophobic behavior among certain factions of the local community particularly against labour workers the majority of which are from Bangladesh.
National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) released statements against such actions and assurances that service providers should not add to stigma. A number of public personalities also rose to the occasion, speaking in defense of the Bangladeshi community in Maldives, especially those working on the front-lines of the pandemic.
The public also joined the narrative, with many comparing the way Bangladesh nationals treat Maldivians and vice versa, referring to the Bangladesh government's assistance.
President Solih ended Wednesday's phone call reiterating the "warm bonds of affection between the governments and peoples of Maldives and Bangladesh".
He further extended regards on the the birth centenary of the Prime Minister’s father, the first President of Bangladesh Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Both leaders wished each other a blessed holy month of Ramadan, which is due to begin in two days’ time.
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