Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy Rakibul Haque today spoke at a discussion held at Bangladesh Embassy in Rome. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Dec 19, 2025 (BSS) – Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy Rakibul Haque today said more than 200,000 Bangladeshi expatriates living in Italy send over USD 1.3 billion in remittances annually, making a significant contribution to Bangladesh’s economy while strengthening bilateral friendship and socio-cultural ties.

He made the remark when the Bangladesh Embassy in Rome observed International Migrants Day 2025 and National Expatriates Day 2025 on Thursday with the participation of expatriate professionals, businesspeople, students, and social and political leaders residing in Italy, according to a message received here today. 

Marking the occasion, messages from the Chief Adviser, the Foreign Adviser, the Adviser for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the Home Affairs Adviser were read out at a programme organised by the embassy. 

A video documentary sent by the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment was also screened.

Ambassador Rakibul Haque presented a report titled “Measures to Expand Regular Migration of Bangladeshis to Italy,” followed by a discussion session involving invited expatriate Bangladeshis. 

The participants shared their views and expectations regarding regular migration, expatriates’ rights, and the quality of services provided by the embassy.

The programme also highlighted arrangements for expatriates to exercise their voting rights through postal voting in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. 

Embassy officials briefed participants on voter registration through the postal voting app, ballot issuance, and voting procedures, encouraging expatriates to take part in the electoral process.

In his address, the Ambassador said the large Bangladeshi community in Italy plays a vital role in supporting Bangladesh’s economy through remittances and contributes significantly to deepening friendship and socio-cultural relations between the two countries.

He reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to ensuring improved services for expatriates and outlined steps taken to safeguard their rights, dignity and welfare, along with initiatives and plans of the interim government to further support Bangladeshi expatriates abroad.