Bangladesh envoy meets detained nationals at Maldives

A delegation from the Bangladesh High Commission in the Maldives has visited Maafushi Prison as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure the legal protection, welfare and rights of Bangladeshi nationals living in the island nation.

The delegation, led by Bangladesh High Commissioner Dr Md Nazmul Islam, met detained Bangladeshi nationals to assess their overall condition, discuss their concerns and review their immediate needs, the High Commission said on Monday in a press release.

During the visit, the delegation reviewed the prisoners' access to medical care, accommodation, food, sanitation and other welfare facilities. It also held discussions with prison authorities to ensure the detainees receive the services and facilities to which they are entitled.

The two sides also discussed the early conclusion of a prisoner transfer agreement between Bangladesh and the Maldives. According to the High Commission, implementation of such an agreement would enable eligible Bangladeshi prisoners to be transferred to Bangladesh on humanitarian grounds to serve the remainder of their sentences and support their rehabilitation.

The Bangladesh High Commission said it remains committed to protecting the welfare, dignity and legal rights of all Bangladeshi nationals in the Maldives and will continue working closely with the Maldivian authorities to address issues affecting the community.