“I would like to express our appreciation to our friends in Chittagong for their efforts in ensuring the safety of foreign nationals, including Filipinos, in the area,” Ambassador Vicente Vicencio T. Bandillo said following his recent visit to the Bangladesh’s second largest city, located 250 kilometers from Dhaka.

“The visit to Chittagong was part of the Embassy’s efforts to strengthen links with government institutions,” said Ambassador Bandillo. “The visit was conducted in support of the Department’s policy in promoting the welfare of Filipino nationals overseas.”

During the visit, Ambassador Bandillo, accompanied by Honorary Consul Mohammad Awwal, met with Mayor A.J.M. Nasir Uddin, Acting Chairman Md. Zafar Alam of Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), and Acting Commissioner Masood-ul-Hasan of the Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP).

Ambassador Bandillo said he discussed with Acting Commissioner Masood-ul-Hasan the safety of the Filipino Community and the general security situation in Chittagong.

Ambassador Bandillo said his visit allowed him to also personally thank local officials who assisted distressed Filipino workers last year.

The Ambassador also shared the Embassy’s plans for the Gender Awareness and Development Activity “Information Drive on Bangladesh Visa & Safety Rules and Philippines Civil Registration and Employment Contract Procedures for OFWs and Overseas Filipinos in Bangladesh.” Ambassador Bandillo highlighted the activity as an avenue to campaign the CMP’s safety rules for foreigners in the area.

There are 50 Filipinos in Chittagong who are registered with the Embassy. Ambassador Bandillo was able to meet some of them during his visit.

The meeting undertaken was part of an Embassy’s consular outreach mission in Chittagong from May 11 to 12. END.

Ambassador Vicente Vivencio T. Bandillo, accompanied by Honorary Consul Mohammad Awwal meets with Chittagong Metropolitan Police Acting Commissioner Masood-ul-Hasan and Additional Police Commissioner Amena Begam during his recent visit to the southeastern port city. (Dhaka PE Photo)