My goal is to make embassy an 'open window': Nahida
The first Bangladeshi woman ambassador in the Middle East, Nahida Sobhan, has said that she wants to establish Bangladesh embassy there as an 'open window' for the expatriates.
"My first and main tasks would be to make Bangladesh Embassy in Amman people-friendly," she told Jago News over phone.
Nahida also said she will try her level best to make both countries' economic diplomacy stronger, and develop bilateral ties.
"I want to boost economic diplomacy between two countries. My one of the jobs will be develop bilateral relations with Jordan through making a positive image of Bangladesh," she said.
The envoy mentioned that camera has already been installed in the mission premises in compliance with the Bangladesh foreign minister to monitor whether any consular staff misbehaves with visitors.
As a woman ambassador, she was lauded and welcomed by Jordan, Nahida said, adding that not only she but also there are about 12 women envoys in the Arab nation.
She also talked about female Bangladeshi workers in Jordan and their difficulties there. There are around 1.50 lakh Bangladeshi nationals. Out of them, about 75 percent are female, she mentioned.
In a query, she described Jordan's Labour Ministry as very helpful in any kinds of problems, and decisions taken in innegotiation go in favour of the labourers in most of the cases, she said she came to know that's it.
When female worker repression often happen in the Middle East, specially Saudi Arabia, the same comparatively less in Jordan, said the envoy.
"A female worker complained to me about several difficulties she faced there. In these cases, we call the owner and ask to compensate. Many do so and many others not, rather complain against the one," she said.
Nahida suggested Bangladesh should pay attention to quality instead of quantity in sending workers abroad that will increase country's dignity abroad.
The Foreign Ministry in a press release on December 31 last year announced the appointment of Nahida Sobhan as Bangladesh Ambassador in Amman, Jordan. On February 21, she joined her workplace.
Before taking this charge, Nahida was director general of the United Nations wing at the foreign ministry. She also performed duties in important posts at the Bangladesh missions in Rome, Kolkata and Geneva.
