Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdelouahab Saidani paid a courtesy call on Home Adviser at his Home Ministry office at the Bangladesh Secretariat today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, April 30, 2025 (BSS) - Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.) today said that reciprocal visa exemption agreement between Bangladesh and Algeria will be signed soon for diplomatic and official passport holders.

He made the remarks as Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdelouahab Saidani paid a courtesy call on the Home Adviser at his Home Ministry office at the Bangladesh Secretariat here this afternoon.

The adviser said that the reciprocal visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders is now in its final stages.

The memorandum of understanding in this regard has already been approved by the cabinet, he said.

"It will be signed at the earliest convenient time subject to the consent of both the sides," he said.

Jahangir said that Algeria was the first Arab country to recognize Bangladesh in 1971 after independence.

"For that, Bangladesh is grateful to Algeria," he said.

The meeting discussed various issues related to mutual interests, including law and order and security issues, police training, countering transnational terrorism, exchanging intelligence, preventing illegal immigration and human trafficking, and the possibility of exporting agricultural laboirr to Algeria, said a press release of the Home Ministry.

Welcoming the ambassador at the beginning of the meeting, the adviser said that Algeria is one of the friendly countries of Bangladesh.

"We are ready to cooperate any way to further strengthen our mutual relations," he said.

At the same time, the ambassador said that they want to establish a fruitful relationship between the two countries to promote the relationship to another level.

Jahangir said that the two countries can work together on various issues including preventing illegal immigration and human trafficking, combating transnational terrorism, security issues, exchanging intelligence.

He continued a memorandum of understanding on preventing human trafficking and mutual legal assistance can be signed between the countries.

The Home Adviser said that there are many opportunities for mutual cooperation in enhancing the efficiency and capacity of the police of the two countries.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs were present at the meeting.