The Cabinet Monday endorsed the draft of an agreement to complete immigration procedures of Hajj pilgrims in Bangladesh instead of Saudi Arabia.
The approval came from the weekly Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, held at the Prime Minister's Office in the capital.
Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam briefed reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat after the meeting.
As per the agreement titled "Cooperation Agreement on the Entry of Hajj Pilgrims," the immigration procedures of Bangladesh hajj pilgrims would be completed here in Bangladesh regularly from now, said the Cabinet Secretary.
"The immigration procedures of Bangladesh hajj pilgrims were completed here last year due to Covid-19 pandemic. This time two sides have signed an agreement to complete the procedures here regularly from now. It is a great achievement," he said.
In the meeting, a report of the Fiscal Year 2021-22 on ministries and divisions was placed and the Cabinet asked to take a number of initiatives to face any possible crisis.
The Cabinet gave an observation to increase food productions at any cost, said Anwarul Islam.
"Our food storage is in a very comfortable situation. It will have to be kept in a comfortable position always," he said, adding that the private sector was already permitted to import 15 lakh metric tons of foods.
The Cabinet asked to avoid the import of foods, particularly supplementary items from third parties as much as possible.
Besides, the Cabinet asked the authorities concerned for taking steps to raise remittance inflow and FDI, as well as not to send unskilled workers to overseas labour markets rather train them as per demands of job markets.
The Cabinet in principle approved the draft of Bangladesh Dairy Development Board Act, 2022 in order to ensure quality dairy milks.
As per the draft law, technical support and cooling storage facilities would be provided to the farmers for proper preservation or improved feeds for the animals.
The meeting gave the final nod to the draft of Zoo Act, 2022, which was placed in a bid to ensure proper management of zoos and protection of wild animals there.
The Cabinet also cleared the drafts of three agreements to be signed with Japan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The deals are "Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matter" to be signed between Bangladesh and Japan, and "Agreement on Abolishing Visa Requirements for the Holders of Diplomatic, Special and Official Passports between the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and the Government of the State of Qatar," and "Security Cooperation Agreement between the Government of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh."
The agreement with Japan would be signed when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would go on a visit to Japan at the end of this month, said the Cabinet Secretary, adding that this deal would enhance bilateral trade and strengthen institutional communication.
