The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) Bangladesh has recently hosted an exclusive event ‘Powering global connectivity’ - an evening celebrating Saudia’s 46 years journey in Bangladesh and the enduring partnership between Saudia and HSBC at a local hotel in Dhaka, Bangladesh, a press release said.

The event was graced by H.E. Afroza Khanam, MP, Honourable Minister, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Government of the People’s republic of Bangladesh as the Chief Guest, H.E. Dr. Abdullah Ibn Dhafer Ibn Ubayya, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh as Special Guest, H.E. Tanvir Ghani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Investment and Capital Market affairs, Prime Minister’s Office as Special Guest, Mohammed Alsilimani, AVP Treasury & Taxation, Saudia as the Guest of Honour, Salman A. Alali, Saudia Country Manager in Bangladesh and Md Mahbub ur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Bangladesh.

Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a remarkable legacy in serving the vibrant Bangladeshi diaspora in the Kingdom through its extensive flight network, connecting families, facilitating cross-border possibilities and enabling thousands of Bangladeshis for pilgrimage. For over four decades, Saudia has played a vital role in linking Bangladesh with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, serving millions of passengers, including pilgrims, expatriate workers, business travelers, and tourists. Saudia is the largest foreign carrier in Bangladesh, operating 32 weekly flights.

The event recognised six organisations and stakeholders who have contributed to strengthening air connectivity, facilitating international trade, supporting Hajj and Umrah travel, and enhancing financial collaboration between Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These recognitions were handed over to Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Foreign Exchange Operation Department of Bangladesh Bank, Padma Oil PLC, United Link Ltd and First Forwarding Ltd.

Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Afroza Khanam, MP, Honourable Minister, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism said, “Bangladesh’s aviation industry is a key driver of economic growth and global connectivity. The strong partnership between Saudia and HSBC demonstrates how collaboration between a world-class airline and a leading international bank can support the growth of the aviation sector and create new opportunities for Bangladesh.”

Salman A. Alali, Saudia Country Manager in Bangladesh said, “Saudia is extremely grateful for the cooperation and regulatory support extended by Bangladesh government, as well as the valuable support of the Saudi Embassy in achieving this phenomenal growth of Saudia in Bangladesh. Saudia remains fully committed to the Bangladesh market and is proud of its strong partnership with HSBC. Together, we are powering global connectivity, strengthening economic ties, and delivering seamless travel experiences that connect people, businesses, and opportunities worldwide.”

Mohammed Alsilimani, AVP Treasury & Taxation, Saudia Airlines said, “This partnership brings together two organizations with a shared vision of connecting people, businesses, and opportunities. We look forward to supporting the continued growth of Bangladesh’s international aviation sector through this collaboration.”

Md Mahbub ur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Bangladesh, deliberated, “Our long-standing partnership with Saudia across more than 40 countries demonstrates the strength of HSBC’s network in linking key growth corridors, particularly between the Middle East and Asia. As passenger and trade demand rises in Bangladesh, HSBC leverages its specialised banking expertise in the airline segment and deep local market presence to support Saudia’s operational expansion, reinforcing seamless global connectivity for Bangladesh”

HSBC possesses deep expertise in aviation and airline banking, supporting airlines across the globe with transaction banking, treasury solutions, trade finance, foreign exchange, liquidity management, and cross-border financial services. HSBC’s experience enables airline partners to operate efficiently across international markets. The bank is proud to support Saudia in Bangladesh with comprehensive banking solutions, reinforcing seamless global connectivity and creating new opportunities for Bangladesh.