Bangladesh High Commission, Ottawa, Canada organized "Public Hearing" and "Special Consular Services" in Montreal, Canada to celebrate the National Expatriates Day on December 30.

High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Canada, Dr. Khalilur Rahman attended to the valuable opinions, suggestions and concerns voices by the Bangladeshi expatriates residing in Canada during the public hearing.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed all Bangladesh Missions abroad to observe Expatriate Day for the first time this year to recognize the contribution of expatriate Bangladeshis to the development of Bangladesh and to actively involve them in the ongoing developmental journey of the country, said a press release.

As part of various initiatives of the High Commission to deliver services at the doorstep of people, this Special Consular Service was organized for Bangladeshi expatriates in the city of Montreal on Expatriate Day. Moreover, their valuable opinions and suggestions were listened to through the public hearing to enhance the quality of services.

During the public hearing, Canadian-Bangladeshis in Montreal requested the High Commissioner to present their request for opening a Consulate Office in Canada to the Government of Bangladesh considering the increasing number of Bangladeshi expatriates in the city.

In this regard, they would soon send a formal application to the High Commission after collecting signatures of large number of Bangladeshi expatriates.

Currently, over 40,000 Canadian Bangladeshis reside in Montreal, with their numbers steadily increasing.

Expatriate Bangladeshis also urged the High Commissioner to make consular services more easily accessible. In response, High Commissioner affirmed the commitment of the High Commission to promptly deliver consular services within the existing legal framework.

He pledged to advocate for necessary changes in laws and regulations to expedite consular services for Canadian Bangladeshis soon after the formation of the new government next year.

In his closing speech, High Commissioner called for cherishing the secular spirit of the great war of independence of Bangladesh and respecting diversity in races, religions, colors, and opinions.

He encouraged Bangladeshi brothers and sisters in Canada to enhance the image of Bangladesh through their honesty, hard work, and talent. Additionally, he cautioned against those propagandizing against Bangladesh, urging social unity against such efforts. The High Commissioner specifically requested expatriates to remit their hard-earned foreign currency through legal channels to their families, relatives, and friends in Bangladesh.

The National Expatriates Day 2023 event concluded with a captivating cultural performance presented by the Bangladeshi diaspora in Montreal.