Govt to Strengthen Manpower at Foreign Missions: Touhid

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain announced today that the government is working to increase manpower at Bangladesh’s missions abroad, especially at consulate general offices, to improve services for the country’s large expatriate population.

“We’re actively working to boost human resources, particularly at our consular posts. I hope we’ll see at least partial success soon,” Hossain said at a discussion held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, marking Foreign Service Day 2025.

Hossain noted that 80 percent of the challenges faced by migrant workers arise from domestic procedures before their departure, yet foreign missions are left to handle the entire burden.

"Despite limited manpower and resources, our missions serve over 10 million expatriates," he said. Citing Saudi Arabia as an example, he questioned how just 50 officials could manage the needs of 3.2 million Bangladeshis living there.

The adviser stressed the need to resolve systemic issues at home and called on mission officials to approach expatriates with empathy. “They come not out of choice but desperation. Most are in genuine need of support,” he said, urging sincerity and dedication in serving them.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Hossain also addressed the Rohingya repatriation deadlock, describing Bangladesh’s stance as a "dilemma." He identified the Arakan Army—a rebel group now controlling much of Myanmar’s Rakhine State—as a major obstacle.

“The Arakan Army isn’t a state actor nor internationally recognized, so formal talks are off the table. Still, a solution seems impossible without involving them in some way,” he said, highlighting their growing influence in the region.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and several former diplomats also spoke during the discussion, reflecting on the significance of Foreign Service Day.

The day commemorates a defining moment during the 1971 Liberation War when Bengali diplomats in the Pakistan Foreign Service pledged loyalty to Bangladesh’s Provisional Government—marking a bold step toward an independent foreign policy.

Foreign Service Day celebrates the dedication, courage, and professionalism of Bangladesh’s diplomatic corps in safeguarding national interests globally.