[🇧🇩] Manpower Export: Prospects and Challenges.

[Saif]

Date of Event: Jan 25, 2025

Source : https://www.thedailystar.net/analysis/news/we-need-protect-our-migrant-workers-its-too-late-3807686 Short Summary: Migrant workers and their contribution to Bangladesh's economy.

We need to protect our migrant workers before it's too late

Photo: Pexels/Anjan Karki

The plight of Bangladeshi migrant workers remains marred with hardship, exploitation, and tragedy, as reflected in the record-breaking 4,813 dead bodies repatriated in 2024. Behind this staggering number lies a grim reality: young lives extinguished far too soon, leaving behind grieving families and communities. These deaths are not isolated incidents but part of a broader narrative of systemic neglect and exploitation that continues to plague the lives of these labourers.

For decades, Bangladeshi workers have been the backbone of labour markets across the Gulf and Southeast Asia, often enduring grueling conditions with little to no support. They live in substandard accommodations, face unsafe workplaces, and remain under relentless pressure to recoup the exorbitant costs they incurred to migrate. This pressure drives many to work excessive hours, often at the expense of their health and well-being. As a result, heart attacks, strokes, and other stress-related ailments are commonly cited as causes of death in official records. However, these death certificates rarely tell the full story.\

An in-depth look into their lives reveals the physical and mental toll of their circumstances. Long hours under harsh conditions, combined with poor nutrition and limited access to healthcare, create a perfect storm of vulnerability. Many of these workers also face abusive treatment, psychosocial stress, and chronic health risks like hypertension and kidney disease, as highlighted in the 2022 report by the Vital Signs Partnership. Yet, the causes of these deaths remain "effectively unexplained," buried under layers of bureaucratic indifference and systemic failure.

Adding to their woes is the exploitation they endure at the hands of recruitment agencies and middlemen. Many workers are cheated and abandoned, left to navigate foreign lands without the promised support or resources. They invest their life savings, often by selling assets or taking out loans, only to find themselves trapped in cycles of debt and exploitation. In such a dire situation, their untimely deaths are not just a personal loss but a devastating blow to their families, who depend on their remittances for survival.

Addressing this crisis requires urgent and coordinated action from multiple stakeholders. The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must work together to establish robust monitoring mechanisms for migrant workers. This includes ensuring workplace safety, improving accommodation standards, and providing regular health check-ups. A proactive approach could save countless lives by identifying and addressing risks before they escalate.

Bangladeshi missions abroad also have a critical role to play. They must act as advocates for the rights and welfare of migrant workers, ensuring that their grievances are heard and addressed. This involves collaborating with host countries to enforce labour laws and holding employers accountable for mistreatment or unsafe conditions. Missions should also offer support services, including counseling and legal assistance, to help workers navigate challenges in unfamiliar environments.

Furthermore, there needs to be greater investment in pre-departure training programmes that prepare workers for the realities of migration. These programmes should include health awareness campaigns, financial literacy training, and information on workers' rights. Such initiatives could empower migrants to better protect themselves and make informed decisions about their lives abroad.

As a nation, Bangladesh owes its migrant workers more than mere acknowledgment of their remittances. They are the unsung heroes of our economy, and their sacrifices deserve respect and protection. Behind every number in the repatriation statistics is a human story -- of dreams, resilience, and heartbreak. The government, civil society, and international community must come together to ensure that these stories no longer end in tragedy.

Hasan Meer is a journalist at The Daily Star​

 

[Saif]

Authorities should address aspirant migrants’ concern

PROSPECTIVE migrants to Saudi Arabia struggling to get meningitis vaccination, which the Middle Eastern country has recently made mandatory, warrants the attention of the...

www.newagebd.net

Authorities should address aspirant migrants’ concern
25 January, 2025, 00:00

PROSPECTIVE migrants to Saudi Arabia struggling to get meningitis vaccination, which the Middle Eastern country has recently made mandatory, warrants the attention of the authorities. Besides, the people who are scheduled to go to the country for umrah are also struggling to get the vaccines. Keeping to a Saudi government directives, meningitis vaccination is now compulsory for umrah pilgrims and travellers, which will take effect on February 10. Travellers now must get the vaccine at least 10 days before departure and carry a vaccination certificate. On January 21, several hundred people went on demonstration in Dhaka after failing to receive meningitis vaccines in hospitals. At least 300 people tried, as New Age reported on January 22, to get the vaccine from hospitals in the city but failed and they finally went to Square Hospitals on Panthapath when they were denied the vaccine because of supply inadequacy. The people then staged a protest in front of the hospital and later they moved to the Prabasi Kalyan Bhaban area. Hospital authorities say that there is a shortage of the vaccines amid an increase in demand and it might take two to four weeks to import more supplies.

Such a situation poses a problem to many prospective migrants and umrah pilgrims, who have deadlines to meet in Saudi Arabia. The situation, therefore, warrants intervention. Prospective migrants to Malaysia, who missed their flights because of a shortage of air tickets, meanwhile, went on demonstration on January 22 in the Karwan Bazar area in the capital demanding the jobs they were promised in the Southeast Asian country. The demonstrators are part of a group of about 18,000 people who missed the May 31, 2024 deadline that the Malaysian authorities had set. Around 50,000 Bangladeshi aspirants failed to migrate to Malaysia after completing almost all the processes by the May 2024 deadline. But many of the aspirants failed to fly to Malaysia, a top destination for Bangladeshi migrants as nearly 10 per cent of total workers migrate to Malaysia, because of the shortage of air tickets. Almost 17,000 of the 50,000 aspirants failed to fly to Malaysia at the last moment because of the unavailability of air tickets. The government of the day could not resolve the problem. This is assuring that the Malaysian prime minister, after a bilateral meeting in Dhaka, announced on October 4 that his country would consider issuing 18,000 work visas for those Bangladeshis who got stuck and could not fly.

The authorities should, therefore, address the issues that hinder the migration of aspirants to Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. The authorities should not leave the meningitis vaccine issue unresolved and should, rather, take initiatives for an early import of the vaccine. The authorities should expedite the migration of aspirants to Malaysia.​

 

[Saif]

Migration cost 3-4 times higher in Bangladesh: Experts

Labour migration experts at a dialogue expressed concerned over the high migration cost for the Bangladeshi migrants. Highlighting the pressing challenges in Bangladesh’s labour migration system, Tasneem Siddiqui, Founding Chair of RMMRU, questioned why it remains flawed despite having numerous...

en.prothomalo.com

Migration cost 3-4 times higher in Bangladesh: Experts
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Updated: 25 Jan 2025, 22: 13

The WARBE Development Foundation, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and supported by Switzerland, recently hosted a "Dialogue with the Labour Reform Commission for Pragmatic Reform in Labour Migration" at the Department of Labour’s Head Office. Collected

Labour migration experts at a dialogue expressed concern over the high migration cost for the Bangladeshi migrants.

Highlighting the pressing challenges in Bangladesh’s labour migration system, Tasneem Siddiqui, Founding Chair of RMMRU, questioned why it remains flawed despite having numerous policies and regulations.

Referring to the White Paper she said “The collusion of interest among the political regime, private sector, section of top bureaucracy, has compromised the principles of good governance.”

The WARBE Development Foundation, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and supported by Switzerland, recently hosted a "Dialogue with the Labour Reform Commission for Pragmatic Reform in Labour Migration" at the Department of Labour’s Head Office.

The event has brought together members of the Labour Reform Commission, civil society organisations, trade unions, private sector representatives, and migrant workers to discuss key reforms in labour migration governance.

She further noted the 4–5 times higher migration costs in Bangladesh, than in Nepal, India, and Pakistan, and significant financial losses during migration which they can’t recover.

Another key panelist Rahnuma Salam Khan, National Project Manager from ILO emphasized the need to reform the Migration Act and Trade Union Act to ensure migrant rights and safety.

She asked, "If migrants in other countries can have trade unions, why not ours?"

Rahnuma Salam Khan noted the dependency on intermediaries on both sides of the recruitment process.

She pointed out that high visa trading costs in Bangladesh significantly inflate overall recruitment expenses for the country’s migrants.

Rahnuma Salam further points out the ineffectiveness of TTC training, the lack of negotiation from the end of Bangladesh about migrants' rights and protection, and the bank's role in this flawed migrant system.

During further reflection moderated by Syed Saiful Haque, Associate Director of Migration Programme and Youth Platform, BRAC, Shariful Islam Hassan, shared his views on migrants' suffering in both sending and destination countries.

He said, “When we ask the migrants why they seek help from brokers, we should think whether they have any legal way to go abroad.”

BILS Executive Council member and BJSD Women Committee General Secretary Nasrin Akter Dina highlights the vulnerability of female migrants.

She said, “The law enacted for the protection of female migrant workers doesn’t ensure their safe migration to the host country.”

The WARBE Development Foundation, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and supported by Switzerland, recently hosted a "Dialogue with the Labour Reform Commission for Pragmatic Reform in Labour Migration" at the Department of Labour’s Head Office. Collected

Bangladesh Employers’ Federation joint secretary-general Asif Ayub points out the lack of accountability of the ministries.

“Whenever the issue of migrants arises, the persons in charge never step forward to take responsibilities, they always pass on the responsibilities to someone else. BMET officials are not even aware of their mandate of apprenticeship registration," he added.

ILO National Programme Officer Mazharul Islam moderated the open floor discussion by welcoming valuable recommendations from the panelists.

Trade unionists, female returnee migrants, and labour union members stressed the need for the legalisation of migration units of CSOs, facilitation of migration representatives to counter the corrupted bureaucracy, finding the reason behind migrants pursuing less-dignified jobs, properly structured reintegration programme for the returnee migrants and ensuring accountability and transparency.

IMA Research Foundation member Anisur Rahman seeks recognition of migrant workers, not integrated into other CSOs, to raise their voices properly.

He also pointed out the hindrance of returnee migrants to join any trade union as it requires being employed in the home country and most of the returnee migrants don’t get hired after coming back.

Labour Rights Commission member Shakil Akhter Chowdhury summarised the key takeaways from the discussion.

She said, “We have to find out a secondary source for foreign currency apart from migration."

In his closing remarks, Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, Chair of the Labour Reform Commission, urged stakeholders to advocate for achievable recommendations at the national level.​

 

[Saif]

Who will answer for our migrant workers’ deaths?

Authorities must do more to ensure their well-being

www.thedailystar.net

Who will answer for our migrant workers’ deaths?
Authorities must do more to ensure their well-being

We are deeply concerned by the unnaturally high number of deaths of our migrant workers abroad, with the host country authorities failing to provide accurate explanations for them. According to the Wage Earners' Welfare Board (WEWB), 4,813 dead bodies of Bangladeshi migrants arrived in the country from the destination countries in 2024, mostly from the Gulf region. The number of deaths has steadily increased since 2021—with 3,818 in 2021, 3,904 in 2022, and 4,552 in 2023. Reportedly, WEWB received 56,769 dead bodies of migrants from 1993 to 2024, which is shocking. The question is, what is causing the deaths of so many of our workers? Have Bangladeshi authorities sought answers from the destination countries where these individuals met such dire fates?

Every year, many of our workers leave for foreign lands, hoping to improve their financial conditions. Unfortunately, many face severe hardships and return home in coffins, particularly from the Gulf region, the primary destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers. Often, the exact causes of their deaths remain unexplained, with "heart attack" commonly mentioned on their death certificates by the receiving countries. These countries rarely investigate the true reasons for these deaths, and Bangladeshi authorities also fail to find answers. Additionally, our female migrant workers often face physical, psychological, and sexual abuse at the hands of their employers—and many have reportedly died by suicide.

Over the years, our returnee migrant workers have shared the miserable conditions they faced in the Gulf states. Long hours, poor occupational health and safety practices, and exposure to cumulative health risks such as heat, air pollution, abusive conditions, psychosocial stress, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease have been common. The question is, have the Bangladeshi authorities made any effort to improve the living and working conditions of our workers? Additionally, our workers are under constant pressure to send money home to recoup the migration cost, leaving them with no opportunity for adequate rest. Have the authorities taken any steps to lower migration costs?

Why are we overlooking the struggles of our migrant workers, whose labour and remittances form the very backbone of our economy? We urge the authorities to prioritise the lives and welfare of our migrant workers above all else. While Bangladeshi missions abroad must advocate for the rights and welfare of migrant workers, the expatriates' welfare ministry and the foreign ministry should jointly establish a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure workplace safety, improved accommodation, and regular health check-ups for migrant workers. Additionally, they should collaborate with host countries to enforce proper labour laws and hold employers accountable for mistreatment, unsafe conditions, and deaths. The authorities must also demand transparency regarding the exact causes of our workers' deaths.​

 

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7964 stranded workers to go Malaysia in first phase: MoFA

A total of 7,964 Bangladeshi workers, among the 18,000, who could not travel to Malaysia as of May 31 last year, have been selected for entry into the Southeast Asian nation in the first phase, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) confirmed on Monday. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Rafiq

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

7964 stranded workers to go Malaysia in first phase: MoFA
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jan 27, 2025 19:44
Updated :
Jan 27, 2025 19:52

A total of 7,964 Bangladeshi workers, among the 18,000, who could not travel to Malaysia as of May 31 last year, have been selected for entry into the Southeast Asian nation in the first phase, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) confirmed on Monday.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam shared the information during the ministry’s weekly media briefing this afternoon.

He said that on December 5, 2024, Bangladesh High Commissioner in Malaysia held a meeting with Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail in Kuala Lumpur.

The meeting focused on addressing the issue of nearly 18,000 Bangladeshi workers whose migration to Malaysia was delayed.

During the discussion, the Minister proposed the formation of a Joint Technical Group comprising representatives from the Malaysian Immigration Department and the Bangladesh High Commission.

The group was tasked with facilitating the phased entry of these workers, Alam noted.

The spokesperson further mentioned that following the group formation, two meetings were held on December 31 and January 14.

In these meetings, a list of over 17,000 workers was thoroughly verified with Malaysian stakeholders, resulting in the selection of 7,964 workers for the first phase, he said, adding that the workers have been identified as eligible for immediate entry.

When asked about the process for the workers’ travel, Alam said that Joint Technical Committee will finalize the procedures through continued discussions.​

 

[Saif]

Unskilled workers still dominate manpower exports

Unskilled migrants continue to dominate the manpower export in the country despite an overall decline in the sector. Experts have attributed this negative trend to a lack of vocational education and language skills, among other limitations. The Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Unskilled workers still dominate manpower exports
SM Najmus Sakib
Published :
Jan 29, 2025 00:35
Updated :
Jan 29, 2025 00:35

Unskilled migrants continue to dominate the manpower export in the country despite an overall decline in the sector.

Experts have attributed this negative trend to a lack of vocational education and language skills, among other limitations.

The Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) has categorised migrant workers into four skill levels: professionals, skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers.

Doctors, engineers, architects, teachers, accountants, computer operators, pharmacists, nurses, foremen, diploma engineers, paramedics and salespeople are considered professionals while mechanics, welders, porters, electricians, painters, cooks, drivers, plumbers, garment workers and certified caregivers are skilled workers. On the other hand, farmers, gardeners and those working as assistant in garments and shops are considered semi-skilled workers and cleaners, domestic workers and menial workers are unskilled workers.

Bangladesh primarily participates in the semi-skilled and unskilled labour market. In 2024, 4.59 per cent of those who migrated abroad for work were professionals, 23.62 per cent were skilled, 17.56 per cent were semi-skilled and 54.23 per cent were unskilled.

Mohammad Shaheen, joint secretary at the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, told the FE that there are some worries about low-skilled manpower export. He admitted that the trend of sending unskilled manpower has its impact.

He highlighted the government initiatives like establishing training centres to improve the situation. He also laid stress on changing mindset of people who intend to migrate for employment in developed countries.

A report by the Refugee and Migratory Movement Research Unit (RMMRU) based on government data showed that the labour market for Bangladeshi workers shrank in 2024 compared to the previous year.

From January to November 2024, 906,000 men and women migrated for work, down from 1.3 million in 2023, which means a 30.8 per cent decrease in migration, said the RMMRU report.

Closure of labour markets in countries like Malaysia, the Maldives, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) significantly contributed to the decreasing trend, which also led to a rise in sending unskilled workers. In 2024, the rate of unskilled worker migration rose by at least 4 percentage points compared to the previous year.

Migration expert Mohammad Jalal Uddin Sikder, also a teacher at North South University (NSU), told the FE that even if the government arranges training, it would hardly change the situation until there is a major shift towards vocational education.

Most of the middle-income families prioritise conventional education for their children, but it is necessary to focus on vocational education to catch the market for skilled manpower, he said.

He also highlighted language barriers as a critical issue, suggesting that a broader societal change is necessary. The Bangladeshi education system should incorporate at least two or three additional foreign languages, commonly used in other countries, into its curricula.

"This (learning foreign languages) is required to catch the market of skilled manpower. And, the government should introduce it in formal education curricula. We see in EU countries children learn at least three languages," he said, adding that training and skills are needed to develop a certain market.

About sending professionals, he noted that the process is far more complex than for regular migrant workers, as it involves long-duration examinations and complex procedures. Therefore, experts suggest G-2-G agreements to send professionals, he said. "We need to have bilateral agreement and cooperation to send professionals like doctors and engineers," said Mr. Sikder.​

 

[Saif]

Redesigning manpower export policy

The role migrant workers' remittance plays in the overall economy of Bangladesh cannot be overstated. Especially, it increases aggregate demand as well as stimulates non-farm activities in the rural economy. But of late, depressing developments on Bangladesh's overseas labour market are being repor

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Redesigning manpower export policy
Published :
Jan 31, 2025 23:20
Updated :
Jan 31, 2025 23:20

The role migrant workers' remittance plays in the overall economy of Bangladesh cannot be overstated. Especially, it increases aggregate demand as well as stimulates non-farm activities in the rural economy. But of late, depressing developments on Bangladesh's overseas labour market are being reported. A recent report from Refugee and Migratory Movement Research Unit (RMMRU) says that between January and November of 2024, 0.9 million migrant workers joined overseas jobs. But that number is 30.8 per cent fewer than that of the previous year (2023) at 1.3 million, RMMRU adds. The cause of this fall in the foreign-bound migrant workers last year compared to 2023 is the closure of the labour markets for Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia, the Maldives, Oman and the UAE.

While presenting RMMRU findings recently, its head for instance, attributed this shrinkage of the country's overseas labour market to 'systemic corruption and irregularities' in the migrant workers' recruitment process. In this connection, the closure of the Malaysian market in May2004, three and a half years after its reopening in 2021, is a case in point. Embezzlement of an enormous sum of money by a nexus of Bangladeshi and Malaysian fraudsters, reportedly, led to that disastrous consequence. Then the use of fake documents halted migration to Italy and Serbia. Add to this the political instability due to student-mass uprising (of July-August last year) which negatively impacted the workers' overseas migration during the second half of 2024.

These apparently are the issues responsible for last year's record fall in the number of overseas-bound migrant workers. But when it comes to the question of persistent decline in the demand for Bangladeshi migrant labourers in the major overseas markets such as KSA, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Malaysia, etc., it obviously relates to their level of skills. In fact, the major exporters of skilled manpower in those job markets include Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, India, etc., who are replacing unskilled and semi-skilled labour in those markets supplied by Bangladesh. In this context, a report carried by this paper says that more than 54 per cent of the workers sent abroad from Bangladesh last year were unskilled.

The proportions of skilled, semi-skilled and professionals, on the other hand, were over 23 per cent, close to 18 per cent and 4.6 per cent respectively. Clearly, the overwhelming proportion of last year's foreign-bound workers was unskilled. Also, the proportion of unskilled migrant workers last year was higher than that of 2023 by 4.0 percentage points. Against this backdrop, it is time the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) took a long, hard look at the shrinking overseas market for Bangladeshi manpower and find ways to improve the situation. First, the authorities need to address the prevailing corruption that ultimately tells upon Bangladesh's reputation as an exporter of manpower abroad. Since the demand for skilled labour is rising in the traditional overseas markets, the policy of manpower export is required to be set in line with the market trend. Increasing the proportions of foreign-bound skilled workers and professionals is an answer. On this score, the BMET is learnt to have categorised mechanics, welders, electricians, plumbers, garment workers, certified care givers, etc as skilled. According to this classification, semi-skilled workers include farmers, gardeners, shop assistants, etc., while cleaners, domestic helps, menial workers, among others, have been categorised as unskilled labourers. The professionals, according to this definition, are the doctors, engineers, teachers, accountants, computer operators, pharmacists, nurses, etc. So the strategy should be to stress vocational education to create skilled workers as well as redesign the country's education curricula in order to generate a more productive workforce.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh saw significant drop in overseas migration in 2024: Report

Bangladesh witnessed a significant decline in overseas migration in 2024, with the total number of migrant workers dropping to 1,009,146, a 27.4 per cent decrease from 1,390,811 in 2023, according to the Ami Probashi's Annual Report. Despite the decline, a noteworthy trend has emerged—female

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh saw significant drop in overseas migration in 2024: Report
UNB
Published :
Feb 05, 2025 22:01
Updated :
Feb 05, 2025 22:02

Bangladesh witnessed a significant decline in overseas migration in 2024, with the total number of migrant workers dropping to 1,009,146, a 27.4 per cent decrease from 1,390,811 in 2023, according to the Ami Probashi's Annual Report.

Despite the decline, a noteworthy trend has emerged—female participation in Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET) registration has nearly doubled compared to the previous year, signaling a shift in gender dynamics in overseas employment.

Saudi Arabia remained the top choice for Bangladeshi migrants, absorbing 62.17 per cent of total migration with approximately 627,000 migrants departing for Saudi Arabia.

This continued preference is driven by high demand for both skilled and unskilled labour, particularly in infrastructure development.

In contrast, Malaysia, the second-largest destination, saw a decline in migration numbers, with only 93,000 workers moving there in 2024.

This drop is attributed to changes in Malaysia’s foreign labor policies, which have made migration more restrictive compared to previous years. A noticeable decline in migration numbers was observed after May 2024.

Migration trends were also likely disrupted by broader socio-economic and political factors.

The July uprising and the subsequent economic instability may have contributed to a slowdown in migration, as uncertainty over job security and future opportunities could have discouraged many potential workers from seeking employment abroad.

In addition, General Training Enrollment—a key indicator of skilled workforce preparation—also fell sharply, decreasing from 236,270 enrollments in 2023 to 112,166 in 2024, reflecting shifting trends in job preparedness and overseas employment demand.

Female registration at BMET rose from 2.78 per cent in 2023 to 4.79 per cent in 2024, indicating growing interest and opportunities for women in overseas employment.

The report also highlights a changing preference among female workers, with more women enrolling in tech-related training courses such as computer operation, graphics design, and AutoCAD drafting, showing a shift towards skilled professions rather than traditional domestic work. More than 700 female workers also migrated as 'skilled workers' in 2024, demonstrating a push towards higher-paying, professional roles.

Experts suggest that enhanced training programmes, gender-inclusive policies, and better foreign labor agreements could help revitalize the migration sector and increase skilled labour exports, ensuring sustainable remittance inflows in the coming years.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh’s migration crisis

FOR decades, Bangladesh’s economy has been fuelled by remittances sent by millions of its migrant workers. These men and women, mostly employed in low-wage sectors in the Gulf states and Malaysia, work tirelessly in construction, domestic service, and factories, sending home billions of dollars...

www.newagebd.net

Bangladesh’s migration crisis
Sohana Samrin Chowdhury 28 February, 2025, 00:00

FOR decades, Bangladesh’s economy has been fuelled by remittances sent by millions of its migrant workers. These men and women, mostly employed in low-wage sectors in the Gulf states and Malaysia, work tirelessly in construction, domestic service, and factories, sending home billions of dollars each year. In 2024, Bangladesh received almost $27 billion in remittances, a crucial pillar of the nation’s economic stability.

Yet, beneath these figures lies a deeper issue: Bangladesh is exporting labour, not talent. While countries like India and the Philippines are sending skilled professionals abroad, Bangladesh continues to supply cheap labour, leaving its workforce vulnerable to low wages, poor working conditions, and economic instability. This outdated model must change.

As the world transitions towards a knowledge-driven economy, Bangladesh must rethink its migration strategy. Instead of exporting workers with limited skills and earning potential, it must equip its people with the expertise to secure high-value jobs in developed economies. Countries like the United Kingdom and Canada have successfully implemented data-driven, skills-based migration policies. Without decisive action, Bangladesh risks being left behind in the evolving global labour market.

Strategic migration models

The UK: a data-driven immigration system

The United Kingdom has implemented a skills-based immigration system that aligns migration with economic needs. The Migration Advisory Committee, an independent body, continuously updates the Shortage Occupation List using real-time employer surveys, big data analysis, and economic forecasting. This ensures that migrants entering the UK fill genuine skill gaps rather than contributing to an oversupply of labour.

For instance, when the UK faced a shortage of healthcare professionals, it fast-tracked visas for foreign nurses and care workers. This evidence-based approach guarantees that migration directly supports economic growth while providing stable career pathways for skilled workers.

Canada: a future-proof migration policy

Canada, facing an ageing population and workforce shortages in key industries, has developed one of the most sophisticated skills-based migration systems globally. The Canadian Occupational Projection System forecasts labour demand over the next two decades, enabling policymakers to adjust immigration policies accordingly.

Through its Express Entry system, Canada prioritises highly skilled professionals, particularly in STEM fields, healthcare, and skilled trades. In 2023, recognising shortages in construction, Canada actively recruited foreign electricians, welders, and engineers. A well-trained Bangladeshi professional with the right certification could qualify for permanent residency and a high-paying job in Canada, a stark contrast to the limited opportunities available in the Gulf.

Bangladesh’s current migration model: a race to the bottom

BANGLADESH continues to prioritise quantity over quality in its migration strategy. Instead of developing and exporting high-value professionals, the country remains a primary source of cheap labour. The consequences are severe:

73% of Bangladeshi migrants work in low-skilled jobs.

Only 17% hold skilled positions.

A mere 0.33% enter high-paying professions.

Consider Abdur Rahman, a 27-year-old from Cumilla, who borrowed Tk 5 lakh to pay a recruitment agent for a job in Dubai. He was promised work as a machine operator but, upon arrival, found himself in manual labour for half the expected salary. Lacking certification or leverage, he endured years of exploitation before returning home with little savings and no new skills.

Contrast this with Arvind, a 29-year-old Indian IT professional, who applied for Canada’s Express Entry program, secured a job at a top software firm in Toronto, and now earns a six-figure salary. While Abdur Rahman struggles, Arvind thrives. This disparity underscores why Bangladesh must transition from exporting labour to exporting skills.

A roadmap for a skills-based migration model

FOR Bangladesh to transition towards a high-skilled migration strategy, it must take some decisive steps:

Invest in data-driven workforce planning

Bangladesh must establish a Bangladesh Occupational Projection System, modelled after Canada’s COPS, to accurately predict labour market demands. Integrating real-time job market analytics from GCC countries, Malaysia, and Europe will help ensure that training programs align with global workforce needs. A Migration Intelligence Unit within BMET should be set up to analyse workforce trends and shape future policies.

Prioritise skills-based migration pathways

A points-based visa system, similar to the UK’s model, must be introduced to prioritise professionals in high-demand fields. Expanding recognition of prior learning programs would allow workers to obtain internationally recognised certifications before migration, increasing their employability and earning potential. Additionally, government-backed recruitment agencies should replace unregulated middlemen to ensure ethical migration practices.

Strengthen public-private partnerships in workforce training

Bangladesh must forge industry partnerships to align education with employer needs. A National Talent Mobility Council, composed of government officials, training institutes, and corporate leaders, should oversee a structured, demand-driven training framework. Encouraging collaboration between universities and employers can bridge the skills gap and foster a more competitive workforce.

Leverage technology for transparent and efficient migration

A Bangladesh Skills Portal, modeled after Canada’s Job Bank, could centralize job postings, certification programs, and digital labor contracts. This platform would facilitate connections between skilled workers and global employers, ensuring transparency in recruitment processes.

Shift from remittance dependency to a talent export strategy

Bangladesh must move beyond its current remittance-dependent model by focusing on equipping its workforce with high-value skills. Engaging the Bangladeshi diaspora through mentorship programs and skills transfer initiatives could enhance knowledge exchange and professional networking, positioning Bangladesh as a leader in global labour mobility.

The moment for change is now

Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. It can either continue exporting cheap labour, exposing its workforce to exploitation and economic stagnation, or pivot toward a skills-based migration model that prioritises long-term national prosperity. The strategies adopted by the UK and Canada provide a roadmap for this transformation.

By integrating skills intelligence, strategic workforce planning, and targeted migration policies, Bangladesh can empower its workforce and secure a competitive position in the global labour market.

Migration should not be merely about movement — it must be about mobility, opportunity, and economic empowerment.

The question remains: Will Bangladesh take the leap?

Sohana Samrin Chowdhury has worked with the International Labour Organization, UNDP and WFP, focusing on skills development, labour migration, and workplace safety policy.​

 

[Saif]

Female labour migration from Bangladesh continues to drop

Female migration from Bangladesh to other countries continued to decrease significantly mainly due to the lack of workers’ language barriers, skills and safety issues...

www.newagebd.net

Female labour migration from Bangladesh continues to drop
Rashad Ahamad 05 March, 2025, 23:19

Representational image. | New Age file photo

Female migration from Bangladesh to other countries continued to decrease significantly mainly due to the lack of workers’ language barriers, skills and safety issues.

Female migration continued to decline gradually for the past three years but the total number of labour migrants – both male and female – from Bangladesh increased during the period, said the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training statistics.

According to the BMET, female workers’ migration from Bangladesh has declined by 42 per cent in the past two years. Of them, 20 per cent declined in 2024 in comparison with the number in 2023 and 28 per cent in 2023 in comparison with the number in 2022.

The government data showed that 105,466 women migrated from Bangladesh in 2022. The number decreased to 76,108 in 2023 and it dropped further to 61,158 in 2024.

The sector insiders said that the migration of Bangladeshi female workers dropped as they failed to compete with the workers from alternative sources like the Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, African countries, and Nepal in terms of working skills for their poor knowledge of languages in the destination countries.

Though the number of female migrants from Bangladesh declined significantly over the years, there was no fact-finding research in this regard.

The recruiting agents, however, said that they had lost interest in sending female workers abroad because of high migration costs and rights activists’ allegations of an increasing number of rights violations.

Bangladeshi women mostly migrate as domestic workers and garment sector workers while some migrate as cleaners, tailors, housekeepers, labours, caregivers, and staff of healthcare and other sectors.

The research and policy wing joint secretary for the expatriates’ welfare and overseas employment, Ayesha Haq, admitted that the ministry did not have information about the reasons for the declining number of female migrants.

Bangladeshi Ovibashi Mahila Sromik Association general secretary Sheikh Rumana said that the government had failed to control the migration cost over the past couple of years.

‘Many women lost interest in migrating from Bangladesh since the migration cost was high. Families want to invest for boys rather than girls,’ she said.

She also said that political instability in Bangladesh and other countries also impacted negatively on female labour migration.

Bangladesh Nari Sramik Kendra executive director Sumaiya Islam said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was the top destination for Bangladeshi women over the years but the country was now hiring female workers from African countries like South Africa and Sudan.

KSA is the top employer of Bangladeshi female workers which employed 5,24,788 female workers since 2004. In percentage, the country alone employed 45 per cent of the total migrated female workers from Bangladesh during the period.

At least 11,62,791 women migrated from Bangladesh to around 90 countries in 20 years between 2004 and 2024. The total number of labour migrants from Bangladesh – both male and female – during the period was 1,25,24,298.

Of them, five countries—Lebanon, KSA, Jordan, UAE and Oman— hired over one lakh female workers each.

Migration experts said that Bangladesh saw a boom in female migration in 2017 when the highest 1,21,925 women migrated from Bangladesh. Since then, it was above one lakh until Covid-19 outbreak in 2019.

Rights activists observed that the number of aspirant female migrants was still high but they were not skilled. They suggested the government to review the training module to make it more effective.

Presently, every female worker must have two months of training to secure any overseas job.

Over the past years, a number of destination countries including Oman, Bahrain and Mauritius have suspended hiring workers from Bangladesh while Lebanon and KSA have reduced hiring Bangladeshi female workers significantly.

The BMET additional director general for employment, Mohammad Abdul Hi, said that though they had no research on this, his personal observation was that they could not open new markets.

He said that they were working to ensure skilled training based on global demand.

Labour rights activists urged the authorities to provide training on need-based skills and safety for women in destination countries to boost female migration.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh, Singapore seek transparent, cost-effective worker migration

Welfare of migrant workers a priority of govt, says Lutfey Siddiqi

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh, Singapore seek transparent, cost-effective worker migration
Welfare of migrant workers a priority of govt, says Lutfey Siddiqi

Bangladesh and Singapore today discussed ways in which the two countries could work together to further improve the end-to-end journey of prospective workers, help reduce costs, and enhance transparency.

Chief Adviser's Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi made a courtesy call on Singapore Minister of Manpower Dr Tan See Leng at the latter's office in Singapore and discussed the issues.

Siddiqi expressed gratitude for the professional approach to care that Singapore took towards migrant workers, as exemplified in the provision of healthcare.

Tan in turn expressed appreciation for migrant workers, including Bangladeshis in the construction sector, for their significant contributions to Singapore.

Siddiqi updated Tan, who is also Singapore's second minister for trade and industry, on the progress in the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between the two countries.

He expressed the hope that this would lead to a wider set of skills and sectors in which Bangladeshi talent can contribute.

Earlier, Siddiqi inaugurated a new online attestation service for IPAs at the Bangladesh High Commission in Singapore.

IPAs, or In-Principle Approvals, are preliminary work permits issued by the Singapore government.

As part of the recruitment process, Bangladesh requires that IPAs be seen and approved by a competent officer at the Bangladesh mission.

Prospective employers and their agents have long complained about the administrative burden of physically visiting the Bangladesh mission for this part of the process. With the introduction of the new online solution, this process can be completed entirely online.

Siddiqi, in a meeting with some representatives of Bangladeshi workers in Singapore, committed to addressing their grievances, said the chief adviser's press wing.

Subsequently, an inter-ministerial group, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and the Bangladesh High Commissioner in Singapore, ensured that the online solution, which was stalled for a few years, was delivered within a few weeks.

"Both the Chief Adviser Professor Yunus and Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul have identified the welfare of migrant workers as a key priority of this government," said the special envoy.

"We are working to improve the airport experience and passport service, monitor airfares, and generally act more responsively to their concerns. While there is a lot more work that needs to be done, it is encouraging to see some positive results," Lutfey Siddiqi said.​

 

[Krishna with Flute]

We need to protect our migrant workers before it's too late

View attachment 13595
Photo: Pexels/Anjan Karki

The plight of Bangladeshi migrant workers remains marred with hardship, exploitation, and tragedy, as reflected in the record-breaking 4,813 dead bodies repatriated in 2024. Behind this staggering number lies a grim reality: young lives extinguished far too soon, leaving behind grieving families and communities. These deaths are not isolated incidents but part of a broader narrative of systemic neglect and exploitation that continues to plague the lives of these labourers.

For decades, Bangladeshi workers have been the backbone of labour markets across the Gulf and Southeast Asia, often enduring grueling conditions with little to no support. They live in substandard accommodations, face unsafe workplaces, and remain under relentless pressure to recoup the exorbitant costs they incurred to migrate. This pressure drives many to work excessive hours, often at the expense of their health and well-being. As a result, heart attacks, strokes, and other stress-related ailments are commonly cited as causes of death in official records. However, these death certificates rarely tell the full story.\

An in-depth look into their lives reveals the physical and mental toll of their circumstances. Long hours under harsh conditions, combined with poor nutrition and limited access to healthcare, create a perfect storm of vulnerability. Many of these workers also face abusive treatment, psychosocial stress, and chronic health risks like hypertension and kidney disease, as highlighted in the 2022 report by the Vital Signs Partnership. Yet, the causes of these deaths remain "effectively unexplained," buried under layers of bureaucratic indifference and systemic failure.

Adding to their woes is the exploitation they endure at the hands of recruitment agencies and middlemen. Many workers are cheated and abandoned, left to navigate foreign lands without the promised support or resources. They invest their life savings, often by selling assets or taking out loans, only to find themselves trapped in cycles of debt and exploitation. In such a dire situation, their untimely deaths are not just a personal loss but a devastating blow to their families, who depend on their remittances for survival.

Addressing this crisis requires urgent and coordinated action from multiple stakeholders. The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must work together to establish robust monitoring mechanisms for migrant workers. This includes ensuring workplace safety, improving accommodation standards, and providing regular health check-ups. A proactive approach could save countless lives by identifying and addressing risks before they escalate.

Bangladeshi missions abroad also have a critical role to play. They must act as advocates for the rights and welfare of migrant workers, ensuring that their grievances are heard and addressed. This involves collaborating with host countries to enforce labour laws and holding employers accountable for mistreatment or unsafe conditions. Missions should also offer support services, including counseling and legal assistance, to help workers navigate challenges in unfamiliar environments.

Furthermore, there needs to be greater investment in pre-departure training programmes that prepare workers for the realities of migration. These programmes should include health awareness campaigns, financial literacy training, and information on workers' rights. Such initiatives could empower migrants to better protect themselves and make informed decisions about their lives abroad.

As a nation, Bangladesh owes its migrant workers more than mere acknowledgment of their remittances. They are the unsung heroes of our economy, and their sacrifices deserve respect and protection. Behind every number in the repatriation statistics is a human story -- of dreams, resilience, and heartbreak. The government, civil society, and international community must come together to ensure that these stories no longer end in tragedy.

Hasan Meer is a journalist at The Daily Star​

Look bro., I want to give you a very sincere advice from the heart. Restrict Islamic radicalism and promote education. There is no way out.

 

[Bilal9]

Look bro., I want to give you a very sincere advice from the heart. Restrict Islamic radicalism and promote education. There is no way out.

Hindu Radicalism in India (and Muslim-hate) is the growing problem. Yet Muslims remain devout Indian patriots as ever. I'd say some of these Muslims (bless their innocent hearts) are deluded.

Adult Literacy (Swakkharik rate) is actually higher in Bangladesh than India. India's Cow-belt BIMARU states need it. We don't.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Hindu Radicalism in India (and Muslim-hate) is the growing problem. Yet Muslims remain devout Indian patriots as ever. I'd say some of these Muslims (bless their innocent hearts) are deluded.

View attachment 15254

Adult Literacy (Swakkharik rate) is actually higher in Bangladesh than India. India's Cow-belt BIMARU states need it. We don't.

View attachment 15253

Muslim hate is a global phenomenon. It has emerged as a reaction of what Muslims do everywhere including in Islamic and Muslim nations. Iran hangs over 250 per year. Majority of them are Sunni Muslims. Saudi beheads almost same number of people and a big part of them is Shia clerics. In Pakistan, all those who are involved in terrorist attack are Muslims. In India, all terrorist attacks are done by Muslims. In UK, majority of those who are involved in racial crime and rape of teen girls are Muslims. China rightly said that Islam is a mental disease. In Syria, Asad bombed all Sunni mosques. There are countless examples. After doing all this, you guys cry why people hate you.

 

[Bilal9]

Muslim hate is a global phenomenon. It has emerged as a reaction of what Muslims do everywhere including in Islamic and Muslim nations. Iran hangs over 250 per year. Majority of them are Sunni Muslims. Saudi beheads almost same number of people and a big part of them is Shia clerics. In Pakistan, all those who are involved in terrorist attack are Muslims. In India, all terrorist attacks are done by Muslims. In UK, majority of those who are involved in racial crime and rape of teen girls are Muslims. China rightly said that Islam is a mental disease. In Syria, Asad bombed all Sunni mosques. There are countless examples. After doing all this, you guys cry why people hate you.

Thank You for the Islam-hating propaganda in the holiest month of Islam, which is Ramadan.

As befits this month, I will avoid engaging you in return and hope that your Lords bestow upon you the divine patience and Rahma (benevolence) to see your fellow man as your equal and not hate on them, like all Hindutva people do.

Please do not associate the word "Muslim" with "Terrorists".

Terrorists are not Muslims. Period.

The second they decide to kill another human being (or even maim anyone), they are outside the ambit of Islam and cannot call themselves "Muslim" any longer.

Muslims Are Not Terrorists: A Factual Look at Terrorism and Islam

I am tired of having to repeatedly say that Muslims are not terrorists. It is time we silence this Islamophobia with facts.

www.huffpost.com

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Thank You for the Islam-hating propaganda in the holiest month of Islam, which is Ramadan.

As befits this month, I will avoid engaging you in return and hope that your Lords bestow upon you the divine patience and Rahma (benevolence) to see your fellow man as your equal and not hate on them, like all Hindutva people do.

Please do not associate the word "Muslim" with "Terrorists".

Terrorists are not Muslims. Period.

The second they decide to kill another human being (or even maim anyone), they are outside the ambit of Islam and cannot call themselves "Muslim" any longer.

Muslims Are Not Terrorists: A Factual Look at Terrorism and Islam

I am tired of having to repeatedly say that Muslims are not terrorists. It is time we silence this Islamophobia with facts.

www.huffpost.com

Ramazan Mubarak.
Please don't kill any animal in holy month.

Forget about holy month. Tell me whether whatever I have written is right or wrong.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Thank You for the Islam-hating propaganda in the holiest month of Islam, which is Ramadan.

As befits this month, I will avoid engaging you in return and hope that your Lords bestow upon you the divine patience and Rahma (benevolence) to see your fellow man as your equal and not hate on them, like all Hindutva people do.

Please do not associate the word "Muslim" with "Terrorists".

Terrorists are not Muslims. Period.

The second they decide to kill another human being (or even maim anyone), they are outside the ambit of Islam and cannot call themselves "Muslim" any longer.

Muslims Are Not Terrorists: A Factual Look at Terrorism and Islam

I am tired of having to repeatedly say that Muslims are not terrorists. It is time we silence this Islamophobia with facts.

www.huffpost.com

They are more Muslims than you are. They are inspired by the philosophy of holi book. Bagadadi had doctorate in Islamic studies. While doing that, they quote holy book in justification. While selling Yazidi girls in market like comodities, ISIS had given the example of Banu qurayza saying that prophet had auctioned Jew women. Supporting and protecting all wrong action based on holy book commandments till physical killing and lastly saying that it is not Islamic is a hypothetical. This is the reason why nobody trust you guys Including Arabs.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Thank You for the Islam-hating propaganda in the holiest month of Islam, which is Ramadan.

As befits this month, I will avoid engaging you in return and hope that your Lords bestow upon you the divine patience and Rahma (benevolence) to see your fellow man as your equal and not hate on them, like all Hindutva people do.

Please do not associate the word "Muslim" with "Terrorists".

Terrorists are not Muslims. Period.

The second they decide to kill another human being (or even maim anyone), they are outside the ambit of Islam and cannot call themselves "Muslim" any longer.

Muslims Are Not Terrorists: A Factual Look at Terrorism and Islam

I am tired of having to repeatedly say that Muslims are not terrorists. It is time we silence this Islamophobia with facts.

www.huffpost.com

They are more Muslims than you are. They are inspired by the philosophy of holi book. Bagadadi had doctorate in Islamic studies. While doing that, they quote holy book in justification. While selling Yazidi girls in market like comodities, ISIS had given the example of Banu Kureza saying that prophet had auctioned Jew women. Supporting and protecting all wrong action based on holy book commandments till physical killing and lastly saying that it is not Islamic is a hypothetical. This is the reason why nobody trust you guys Including Arabs

 

[Bilal9]

They are more Muslims than you are. They are inspired by the philosophy of holi book. Bagadadi had doctorate in Islamic studies. While doing that, they quote holy book in justification. While selling Yazidi girls in market like comodities, ISIS had given the example of Banu Kureza saying that prophet had auctioned Jew women. Supporting and protecting all wrong action based on holy book commandments till physical killing and lastly saying that it is not Islamic is a hypothetical. This is the reason why nobody trust you guys Including Arabs

Doesn't matter what some crazy fanatic or group says that something is Islamic.

Did the mufti of the grand mosque in Makkah OFFICIALLY say these things, or any normal sane-headed Islamic religious leader ?

Don't conflate terrorism with Islam.

I understand you want to associate Islam with terrorism but this is rather lame.

OTOH - your sitting MPs in parliament have OFFICIALLY normalized Rape and demolition of Muslim houses (razing them to the ground with bulldozers).

You don't have a leg to stand on.

In any case - this is off topic for this thread, let's spawn a new thread if you want to discuss.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Doesn't matter what some crazy fanatic or group says that something is Islamic.

Did the mufti of the grand mosque in Makkah OFFICIALLY say these things, or any normal sane-headed Islamic religious leader ?

Don't conflate terrorism with Islam.

I understand you want to associate Islam with terrorism but this is rather lame.

OTOH - your sitting MPs in parliament have OFFICIALLY normalized Rape and demolition of Muslim houses (razing them to the ground with bulldozers).

You don't have a leg to stand on.

In any case - this is off topic for this thread, let's spawn a new thread if you want to discuss.

Muslims across the world does not follow Mufti of Makka. Islam has 72 Firkas and all them have issued fatwa against others. Not only they killed others, they have killed Mulslims themselves like mosquitoes. By the way how many Bengalis were killed by Pakistani Army? Who came to rescue you?

Like Arif Mohhamad khan had said " Devebandi ke liya barlavi kafir hai, Barelvi ke liye Devbandi kafir, Dono ne milke shia ko bahar kar diya, tino ne milke Ahemadia o ke gair Islami bata diya". This is the reality of Islam. More radical is more pure Muslims. For Sunnis, Shia is an inferior Muslim. For Shia, Ahemadias are corrupt Muslims. Pakistan constitution disallow Ahemadia's to hold important constitutional position.
Hasina ko Hatane ke Andolan mai Hindu o ko marne lagate ho. Mandir Jalate ho aur upar se besharmo ki Tarah aake lacture karte ho yahan. Sharm bhi nahi aati?

 

[Bilal9]

Muslims across the world does not follow Mufti of Makka. Islam has 72 Firkas and all them have issued fatwa against others. Not only they killed others, they have killed Mulslims themselves like mosquitoes. By the way how many Bengalis were killed by Pakistani Army? Who came to rescue you?

Like Arif Mohhamad khan had said " Devebandi ke liya barlavi kafir hai, Barelvi ke liye Devbandi kafir, Dono ne milke shia ko bahar kar diya, tino ne milke Ahemadia o ke gair Islami bata diya". This is the reality of Islam. More radical is more pure Muslims. For Sunnis, Shia is an inferior Muslim. For Shia, Ahemadias are corrupt Muslims. Pakistan constitution disallow Ahemadia's to hold important constitutional position.
Hasina ko Hatane ke Andolan mai Hindu o ko marne lagate ho. Mandir Jalate ho aur upar se besharmo ki Tarah aake lacture karte ho yahan. Sharm bhi nahi aati?

I am not going to go into all kinds of off topic discussions here, this is my last post on your questions. I will be forced to delete any further off topic posts.

And please lay off the threatening tone. Not conducive to discussions.

Just chill - this is only a forum, its not a life and death issue.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Doesn't matter what some crazy fanatic or group says that something is Islamic.

Did the mufti of the grand mosque in Makkah OFFICIALLY say these things, or any normal sane-headed Islamic religious leader ?

Don't conflate terrorism with Islam.

I understand you want to associate Islam with terrorism but this is rather lame.

OTOH - your sitting MPs in parliament have OFFICIALLY normalized Rape and demolition of Muslim houses (razing them to the ground with bulldozers).

You don't have a leg to stand on.

In any case - this is off topic for this thread, let's spawn a new thread if you want to discuss.

Muslims across the world does not follow Mufti of Makka. Islam has 72 Firkas and all them have issued fatwa against others. Not only they killed others, they have killed Mulslims themselves like mosquitoes. By the way how many Bengalis were killed by Pakistani Army? Who came to rescue you?

Like Arif Mohhamad khan had said " Devebandi ke liya barlavi kafir hai, Barelvi ke liye Devbandi kafir, Dono ne milke shia ko bahar kar diya, tino ne milke Ahemadia o ke gair Islami bata diya". This is the reality of Islam. More radical is more pure Muslims. For Sunnis, Shia is an inferior Muslim. For Shia, Ahemadias are corrupt Muslims. Pakistan constitution disallow Ahemadia's to hold important constitutional position.
Hasina ko Hatane ke Andolan mai Hindu o ko marne lagate ho. Mandir Jalate ho aur upar se besharmo ki Tarah aake lacture karte ho yahan. Sharm bhi nahi aati?

I am not going to go into all kinds of off topic discussions here, this is my last post on your questions. I will be forced to delete any further off topic posts.

And please lay off the threatening tone. Not conducive to discussions.

Just chill - this is only a forum, its not a life and death issue.

I have not taken this or any forum as life or death issue. Relax and enjoy.

 

[Dogun18]

I am not going to go into all kinds of off topic discussions here, this is my last post on your questions. I will be forced to delete any further off topic posts.

And please lay off the threatening tone. Not conducive to discussions.

Let's allow free speech, Bhai. Krish is well within the rules.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Let's allow free speech, Bhai. Krish is well within the rules.

Unexpected support—thanks, bro! However, I believe topics posted with malicious intent should be blocked as they add no value to the forum. Sensitive subjects like rape shouldn’t be allowed here when there are plenty of positive and meaningful discussions to have. Just check the topics I’ve posted—many of them highlight remarkable work by individuals or across eras that often go unnoticed. Let me post some beautiful picture of excellent architecture. @Bilal9 will also enjoy it (Perhaps).

 

[Saif]

MANPOWER EXPORT TO MALAYSIA: Mustafa Kamal among 12 sued

The Anti-Corruption Commission on Tuesday filed 12 cases against former planning and finance minister AHM Mustafa Kamal and his family members, among 32 people, on charges of embezzling Tk 1,128 crore by extracting unlawful amounts for fees from migrant workers.

www.newagebd.net

MANPOWER EXPORT TO MALAYSIA: Mustafa Kamal among 12 sued
Staff Correspondent 11 March, 2025, 23:23

AHM Mustafa Kamal. | File photo

Tk 1,128cr embezzlement alleged

The Anti-Corruption Commission on Tuesday filed 12 cases against former planning and finance minister AHM Mustafa Kamal and his family members, among 32 people, on charges of embezzling Tk 1,128 crore by extracting unlawful amounts for fees from migrant workers.

The accused are owners and officials of 12 recruiting agencies.

The other accused include three more former lawmakers—Nizam Uddin Hazari, Lieutenant General (retired) Masud Uddin Chowdhury and Benajir Ahmed—and well-known business magnate Mohd Noor Ali and his family members.

The agency filed the cases with its Dhaka-1 integrated district office following approval of the commission on the day, said its director general for prevention Md Akhtar Hossain.

According to the cases, the accused are charged with embezzling and laundering Tk 1,128 crore which they allegedly took from the workers they sent to Malaysia by charging them excess of the government-set fee Tk 78,990 for each worker.

The statements of the cases said that the 12 recruitment agencies unlawfully took additional Tk 1,67,500 beyond the government-approved rate from each of the over 67,380 workers.

The statement of a case filed against AHM Mustafa Kamal, the owner of Orbital Enterprise, and his wife Kashmiri Kamal, said that from 6,029 workers they took Tk 100 crore excess of the government-fixed rate.

In yet another case, Mustafa Kamal and daughter Nafisa Kamal as co-owners of another company ‘Orbital International’ are accused of embezzling Tk 50 crore from 2,995 workers.

The case against former lawmaker from the Feni-22 constituency, Nizam Uddin Hazari, and his wife Nurjahan Begum states that their company ‘Snigdha Overseas,’ illegally took Tk 111.5 crore from 6,657 workers.

Snigdha Overseas officials Sheikh Abdullah, Jahangir Alam, M Amirul Islam, Jasim Uddin and Ziaur Rahman have also been accused in the case.

In another case, recruiting agency ‘Binimoy International’ owner and former Chauddagram upazila chairman Abdus Sobhan Bhuiyan and his wife Taslima Akhtar have been accused on charges of taking Tk 91.42 crore illegally from 5,458 workers.

Masud Uddin Chowdhury, a retired lieutenant general, and his daughter Tasnia Masud, owners of ‘5 M International Limited’, and its officials Mohammad Abdul Mukit and Mehbuba Aftab Shathi in another case have been charged with illegally taking Tk 119.32 crore from 7,124 workers.

The ACC has also filed a case against Unique Eastern Ltd owners Mohd Noor Ali, his wife Selina Ali and daughter Nabila Ali, and company officials Nasir Uddin Ahmed and Khandaker Shawkat Hossain on charges of unlawfully taking Tk 63.44 crore from 3,788 workers.

Another case has been filed against Catharsis International Ltd owners Md Ruhul Amin and wife Lutfur Nessa Shelly for taking an additional Tk 130.43 crore from 7,787 workers.

Former lawmaker from the Dhaka-20 constituency Benjir Ahmed, also owner of M/S Ahmed International, has been accused in a case for taking additional Tk 143.91 crore from 8,592 workers.

Shafiqul Islam, former councillor of Badda and owner of BM Travels Ltd, along with his wife Mousumi Akhter, has been accused in another case on charges of unlawfully taking Tk 135.55 crore from 8,093 workers.

The anti-corruption agency has also filed a case against Engineer Ishtiaq Ahmed Soikat, owner of BNS Overseas Ltd, and his wife Nasrun Nessa on charges of illegally taking Tk 70.6 crore from 4,215 workers through his company.

The commission filed a case against Md Mojibur Hossain Rubel, the owner of Rubel Bangladesh, and his wife Kamrun Nahar Hiramoni, alleging that their company illegally charged an additional Tk 47.65 crore from 2,845 workers.

The owners of The Ifti Overseas, Md Rubel and Borhan Uddin (Panna), are among the accused in a case filed on charges of illegally extracting Tk 63.59 crore from 3,797 workers.

The anti-corruption commission said that the recruitment agencies were found to have abused their position by illegally charging workers exorbitant fees in excess of the government’s approved rate, under the guise of fees for passport handling, health check-up and other administrative services.

The ACC said that its inquiry revealed that these individuals and companies systematically violated Bangladesh’s recruitment and labour export laws and regulations to exploit the migrant workers.​

 

[Saif]

Jahangir urges Saudi Arabia to take more manpower from Bangladesh

Home Adviser Lieutenant General Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.) has called upon Saudi Arabia to recruit more manpower from Bangladesh. “Saudi Arabia is one of the largest development partners of Bangladesh. The largest numbers of Bangladeshis are now working in Saudi Arabia. Currently, 3

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Jahangir urges Saudi Arabia to take more manpower from Bangladesh
Published :
Apr 09, 2025 21:45
Updated :
Apr 09, 2025 22:04

Home Adviser Lieutenant General Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.) has called upon Saudi Arabia to recruit more manpower from Bangladesh.

“Saudi Arabia is one of the largest development partners of Bangladesh. The largest numbers of Bangladeshis are now working in Saudi Arabia. Currently, 3.2 million Bangladeshis are working in different sectors in Saudi Arabia. Increase the recruitment of Bangladeshis to 4 million,” he said.

He made the appeal when Saudi Arabia ambassador Essa Bin Yousef Essa Al Duhailan paid a courtesy call on the adviser at his ministry office at Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka, reports BSS.

The meeting discussed various issues of mutual interest that include ithe ssuance and re-issuance of passports in favour of 69,000 Bangladeshi citizens living in Saudi Arabia without valid passports.

The Saudi Ambassador assured that Saudi Arabia’s all-round cooperation in the development of Bangladesh will continue.

“In addition to manpower export, cooperation between the countries has been continuing on various sectors, including business, trade, investment, tourism and culture,” he said.

The envoy said that Saudi Arabia has always been by Bangladesh’s side and will continue to be in the near future.

Special Assistant to Hon’ble Chief Adviser (Equivalent to State Minister) Md. Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Nasimul Ghani, and senior officials of the Ministries of Home and Foreign Affairs, were present.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh urges Slovakia to recruit Bangladeshi workers

Bangladesh has urged Slovakia to recruit a good number of Bangladeshi workers in various sectors including automotive industry and facilitate Slovak visa for Bangladeshi citizens. The call was made when Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam had

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh urges Slovakia to recruit Bangladeshi workers
BSS
Published :
Apr 12, 2025 16:29
Updated :
Apr 12, 2025 16:29

Bangladesh has urged Slovakia to recruit a good number of Bangladeshi workers in various sectors including automotive industry and facilitate Slovak visa for Bangladeshi citizens.

The call was made when Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam had a meeting with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia Juraj Blanár on the sidelines of the 'Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF)2025' in Antalya, Turkey on Friday, said a foreign ministry's press release here.

During their meeting, both sides acknowledged the importance of further strengthening the relationship between Bangladesh and Slovakia, which is grounded in shared values, principles, and mutual understanding.

They expressed their commitment to enhancing bilateral ties across various areas of shared interest.

The foreign adviser emphasized the need for boosting cooperation in the field of bilateral trade, investment and economic collaboration.

He apprised of Bangladesh's potential as investment destination and urged to send a Slovak delegation to Bangladesh to find the potentials of trade and investment.

Hossain further proposed that the Slovak Republic can follow the 'Talent Partnership' model of the European Union to recruit Bangladeshi workers in various sectors.

They also discussed ways for enhancing cooperation in different multilateral fora.

The Slovak Minister agreed to enhance B to B connection and send a business team to Bangladesh to explore opportunities for investment.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Turkey and other senior officials from both the sides attended the meeting.

The three-day ADF 2025 kicked off today in Antalya hosted by the Turkish Foreign Ministry with the theme, "Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World", under the patronage of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

This year's theme reflects the pressing need for diplomacy to reassert itself as a stabilizing force, amid rising global divisions.

The ADF gathered global leaders, policymakers, academics, business experts and as well as representatives of media and civil society to explore how diplomacy can turn the tide and navigate us through a fragmented world to find a common ground for collective action.

More than 20 heads of state and government, over 50 foreign ministers, more than 70 ministers, and approximately 60 senior representatives from international organizations, as well as over 4,000 guests, including students attended the forum.​

 

[Saif]

Migrants' lives matter more than their remittances

Ensure safe recruitment, working conditions for migrant workers

www.thedailystar.net

Migrants' lives matter more than their remittances
Ensure safe recruitment, working conditions for migrant workers

VISUAL: STAR

It is unfortunate that we celebrate the remittance earnings of our migrant workers but our actions fall drastically short when it comes to ensuring their safety, dignity, and well-being both at home and abroad. In particular, the steady stream of coffins returning home—with migrants' lives cut short by health issues, workplace accidents, etc.—is a stark reminder of our collective failure to protect them.

According to the Wage Earners' Welfare Board, 4,813 bodies of migrant workers were brought back to Bangladesh in 2024 alone. The number of deaths has been rising steadily since 2020, increasing by more than 50 percent. In total, over the past four decades, at least 57,216 migrant workers' bodies have been repatriated. Many more are buried overseas, with families sometimes choosing not to bring the bodies home. When a body is repatriated, the Welfare Board provides Tk 35,000 for burial and transport costs. Besides, under a 2023 insurance scheme, families of insured workers who paid a one-time Tk 1,000 premium can receive up to Tk 10 lakh in the event of a work-related death.

Ironically, the official causes of death in most cases are listed as strokes, brain haemorrhages, or heart attacks—categorised as "natural causes." But experts have questioned this narrative, pointing out that most deceased workers were between 38 and 42 years old and reportedly had no prior health issues. Unfortunately, bodies are not re-autopsied upon return to Bangladesh. As a government official told this daily, rather unconvincingly, it is "difficult" to probe these untimely deaths further as autopsies conducted in host countries fall under their legal jurisdiction. But the question remains: Why, after all these years, have we failed to ensure a transparent and credible process for investigating the deaths of our migrant workers?

Government data shows that most of these deaths occur in the Gulf region, where extreme heat and gruelling work conditions—especially at construction sites—have taken a severe toll. A 2023 study highlighted the link between excessive heat and poor health outcomes among workers in the Gulf. Yet, there has been little visible effort to negotiate better terms for Bangladeshi workers abroad.

Given these realities, we urge the government to push for safer and more humane recruitment and working conditions in host countries. Employers must be compelled to comply with international labour standards, ensuring not just better wages but also improved living conditions and healthcare access. At the same time, migration costs must be reduced so that workers are not forced to endure dangerous jobs just to recover their investment. The authorities must also ramp up efforts to crack down on fraudulent agents involved in fake recruitment, wage theft, and forced labour. We must remember that migrant workers deserve protection, dignity, and justice. Their lives, health, and the well-being of their families must be as high a priority as the remittances they send home.​

 

[Saif]

Italy to support Bangladesh in curbing illegal migration: Adviser Jahangir

Italy has pledged to support Bangladesh in preventing illegal migration and human trafficking, along with strengthening the capacity of Bangladesh police, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Thursday. He made the remarks after a meeting with Italian Ambassador to

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Italy to support Bangladesh in curbing illegal migration: Adviser Jahangir
Published :
Apr 24, 2025 20:51
Updated :
Apr 24, 2025 20:51

Italy has pledged to support Bangladesh in preventing illegal migration and human trafficking, along with strengthening the capacity of Bangladesh police, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Thursday.

He made the remarks after a meeting with Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro at his office at the Secretariat, UNB reports.

The meeting discussed issues of mutual interest, including the upcoming visit of Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi to Bangladesh on May 5 to 6, cooperation in the security sector, advanced training for police and BGB personnel, maintaining public order, and tackling transnational crimes.

Welcoming the ambassador, the adviser said Italy is a trusted friend of Bangladesh. He highlighted the contributions of around 250,000 skilled Bangladeshi workers in Italy, who play a vital role in the country’s economic growth by sending remittances.

He expressed hope that the Italian minister’s upcoming visit would further strengthen bilateral ties and create more opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Italy.

The ambassador said the Italian interior minister will meet Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, and advisers from the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and Expatriates’ Welfare ministries during his visit.

On May 5, the Italian minister will receive a guard of honour from the Ministry of Home Affairs and hold a bilateral meeting with Adviser Jahangir.

The two sides may sign declarations, memorandums of understanding (MoUs), or agreements on issues such as combating illegal migration, cross-border crime, and police cooperation.

The adviser reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to exporting manpower through legal channels and in compliance with international norms. “We are against illegal migration,” he said, adding that legal action will be taken against human traffickers and brokers facilitating illegal travel to Italy and other countries.

The ambassador also wished success to Bangladesh’s interim government and assured of Italy’s continued support.

Senior officials from the ministry and the Italian embassy, including Md Shamim Khan, additional secretary (Security and Immigration), Md Jasim Uddin Khan, joint secretary (Political-1), and Giuseppe Di Giovanni, migration attaché of the Italian Embassy in Dhaka, were present.​

 

[Saif]

Why fewer workers going to Italy despite potential job scope

Although among European countries, Italy is considered one of the most promising labour markets, many workers from Bangladesh are struggling to secure jobs there due to a lack of language skills and technical knowledge.

en.prothomalo.com

Why fewer workers going to Italy despite potential job scope
Mohiuddin Dhaka
Published: 10 May 2025, 22: 44

Although among European countries, Italy is considered one of the most promising labour markets, many workers from Bangladesh are struggling to secure jobs there due to a lack of language skills and technical knowledge.

There have also been allegations of fake job offers, prompting the Italian government to impose strict visa requirements. As a result, despite having significant job opportunities, the number of Bangladeshi workers going to Italy remains low.

After a seven-year hiatus, a bilateral agreement between Bangladesh and Italy was signed in 2020 to facilitate worker recruitment. Workers began traveling again in 2021. According to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), 653 workers went to Italy in 2021, rising to 7,594 in 2022, and 16,879 in 2023. But in 2024, the number dropped sharply to just 1,164, with 1,246 more in the first four months of 2025.

Officials say that even after receiving job offers, visa processing at the Italian embassy in Dhaka takes a long time, sometimes over a year. After complaints from applicants about their passports being withheld for extended periods, many were returned. However, once job verification is complete, the passports must be resubmitted. Delays in legal migration may encourage some to try entering Italy illegally via the Mediterranean Sea.

A man from Barishal, using the pseudonym Shahzada, told Prothom Alo that he received a job offer as a construction worker in Italy on 28 February 2023. He submitted his passport in July, but six months later, in December, it was returned without a visa. Now he’s waiting for an email from the embassy. Another individual, who received his job offer on 2 February 2023, is also still waiting for a visa.

Recruiting agencies involved in sending workers to Italy say that Bangladesh’s overseas labour market is still mostly Middle East-focused, with only a few Asian countries as alternatives. Complications in the process hinder labour migration to these places, even though Europe offers opportunities for hundreds of thousands of workers, with better wages and more remittances. But this potential is being overlooked by successive governments. Agencies are urging the Bangladeshi and Italian governments to streamline the visa process.

Arifur Rahman, President of the Recruiting Agencies Association of Bangladesh for Europe and Developed Countries, told Prothom Alo that the Bangladeshi government should negotiate with Italy to resolve the visa bottleneck and create a roadmap for sending workers across Europe. This would include language and technical skills training, followed by matching workers with quality employers through labour wings at embassies.
Skills and language training are critical

The Ital-Bangla Coordination and Development Association, established in 1992 to support Bangladeshi migrants in Italy, said Bangladeshis started arriving in Italy in the 1980s, often through irregular means. In 1987, undocumented workers received their first legalisation opportunity. After several rounds of regularisation, Italy included Bangladesh in its official foreign worker quota in 2003, leading to a rise in Bangladeshi workers. By 2015, the Bangladeshi migrant population surpassed 200,000.

However, in 2011, Italy wanted to deport some undocumented Bangladeshis but couldn’t due to the lack of a bilateral agreement. In 2012, Italy revoked Bangladesh’s quota privileges, and in 2013, formal labour migration from Bangladesh to Italy halted. This led to an increase in illegal migration.

According to Ital-Bangla sources, in 2020, a memorandum of understanding on migration was signed. But from 2020 to 2023, about 80 per cent of workers who entered Italy with work visas eventually became undocumented. In 2023 alone, around 100,000 workers faced visa complications, and some even had their passports returned without visas. Recently, affected workers held protests in the Kakrail area of Dhaka.

Experts say Italian is the only language used in the workplace, making jobs difficult for those who don’t speak it. Many unskilled workers pay large sums for job contracts, but without basic technical skills, they struggle.

Legally, a foreign worker must remain in the country of employment for at least five years to become eligible for residency. If they leave earlier, they become undocumented in any other country.

Recent agreement with Italy

On 6 May 2024, Bangladesh and Italy signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and Mobility in Dhaka. At the event, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Advisor Prof. Asif Nazrul said that Italy would recruit both seasonal and non-seasonal workers, and a joint technical committee would meet annually. Plans are underway to offer language training at technical training centres.

Nazrul emphasized the goal of increasing legal migration, ensuring that migrants travel safely and earn fair wages. He also noted that efforts are being made to speed up visa processing through discussions with the Italian embassy.

To combat irregular migration, the European Union has launched a €3 million "Talent Partnership" project, which officially started last December. It aims to supply skilled workers to Europe legally. The project will be implemented between 2024–2027 by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and BMET. The EU-Bangladesh Talent Partnership will promote safe and dignified migration.

Lack of skills leading to undocumented status

Shah Md Taifur Rahman, executive director of the Migrant Development Association in Bangladesh, said 80 per cent of workers who go to Italy become undocumented due to language and skill deficiencies.

“Those who learn Italian still get visas easily,” he said. Bangladesh must take responsibility to prevent its citizens from becoming undocumented in Europe. Without proper preparation, new agreements like this one won’t bring real benefits.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladeshis working abroad need greater attention

Economists in Bangladesh noted with great happiness that Bangladesh's inward remittance had crossed for the first time in its history the US Dollar 3 billion mark in March this year. Bangladesh Bank data indicated that Bangladesh citizens working abroad had sent remittances equivalent to US Dollar

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladeshis working abroad need greater attention
Muhammad Zamir
Published :
May 11, 2025 22:14
Updated :
May 11, 2025 22:14

Migrant workers at a construction site in Qatar Photo : Agency Photo

Economists in Bangladesh noted with great happiness that Bangladesh's inward remittance had crossed for the first time in its history the US Dollar 3 billion mark in March this year. Bangladesh Bank data indicated that Bangladesh citizens working abroad had sent remittances equivalent to US Dollar 3.29 billion in March-- a jump of nearly 65 per cent from US Dollar 1.99 billion that had come the same month a year earlier in 2024. The inflow of remittances during the July 2024-April 2025 period had grown to US Dollar 24.39 billion.

Such wonderful news has raised questions on various issues related to several dimensions pertaining not only to safe recruitment paradigm but also with regard to working conditions for migrant workers. Some socio-economic analysts have pointed out that it is unfortunate that we celebrate the remittance earnings of our migrant workers but our actions fall drastically short when it comes to ensuring their safety, dignity, and well-being both at home and abroad. In particular, the steady stream of coffins returning home-with migrants' lives cut short by health issues, workplace accidents, etc-is a stark reminder of our collective failure to protect them.

We are deeply concerned by the unnaturally high number of deaths of our migrant workers abroad, with the host country authorities failing to provide accurate explanations for them. According to the Wage Earners' Welfare Board (WEWB), 4813 dead bodies of Bangladeshi migrants arrived in the country from the destination countries in 2024, mostly from the Gulf region. The number of deaths has steadily increased since 2021-with 3,818 in 2021, 3,904 in 2022, and 4,552 in 2023. Reportedly, WEWB received 56,769 dead bodies of migrants from 1993 to 2024, which is shocking. The question is-- what is causing the deaths of so many of our workers? Have Bangladeshi authorities sought answers from the destination countries where these individuals met such dire fates?

Every year, workers leave for foreign lands, hoping to improve their financial conditions. Unfortunately, many face severe hardships and return home in coffins, particularly from the Gulf region, the primary destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers. Often, the exact causes of their deaths remain unexplained, with "heart attack" commonly mentioned in their death certificates. Additionally, our female migrant workers often face physical, psychological, and sexual abuse at the hands of their employers-and many have reportedly died by suicide.

Over the years, our returnee migrant workers have shared the miserable conditions they faced in the Gulf States. Long working hours, poor occupational health and safety practices, and exposure to cumulative health risks such as heat, air pollution, psychosocial stress, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease have been common. The question is-- have the Bangladeshi authorities made any effort to improve the living and working conditions of our workers? Additionally, our workers are under constant pressure to send money home to recoup the migration cost, leaving them with no opportunity for adequate rest. Have the authorities taken any steps to lower migration costs?

In this context, according to the Wage Earners' Welfare Board (WEWB), number of deaths has been rising steadily since 2020, increasing by more than 50 per cent. In total, over the past four decades, at least 57,216 migrant workers' bodies have been repatriated. Many more are buried overseas, with families sometimes choosing not to bring the bodies home.

It may be noted however that when a body is repatriated, the Welfare Board provides Taka 35,000 for burial and transport costs. Besides this, under a 2023 insurance scheme, families of insured workers who paid a one-time Tk 1,000 premium can receive up to Taka 1 million in the event of a work-related death.

The media has noted that the official causes of death in most cases are listed as strokes, brain hemorrhages, or heart attacks-categorised as "natural causes." However, experts have questioned this account, pointing out that most deceased workers were between 38 and 42 years old and reportedly had no prior health issues.

Unfortunately, bodies are not re-autopsied upon return to Bangladesh. A government official has tried to explain this, rather unconvincingly, that it is "difficult" to probe these untimely deaths further as autopsies conducted in host countries fall under their legal jurisdiction. Nevertheless, the question remains as to why, after all these years, we have failed to ensure a transparent and credible process for investigating the deaths of our migrant workers?

Government data indicated that most of these deaths occur in the Gulf region, where extreme heat and exhausting work conditions-especially at construction sites-have taken a severe toll. A 2023 study highlighted the link between excessive heat and poor health outcomes among workers in the Gulf.

Given these realities, one can only urge our government to push for safer and more humane recruitment and working conditions in host countries. Employers must be compelled to comply with international labour standards, ensuring not just better wages but also improved living conditions and healthcare access.

At the same time, migration costs need to be reduced so that workers are not forced to take up dangerous jobs just to recover their investment. The authorities must also enhance their efforts to crack down on fraudulent agents involved in fake recruitment, wage theft, and forced labour. We must remember that migrant workers deserve protection, dignity, and justice. Their lives, health, and the well-being of their families must be as high a priority as the remittances they send home. It should also be understood that preventing exploitation by traffickers will and can create economic opportunities at home.

In the recent past, towards the end of January we received disturbing reports of the tragic deaths of at least 23 Bangladeshi migrants whose bodies were washed ashore in northern Libya. Reports indicated that a boat carrying 56 migrants bound for Italy departed from Libya's coast on January 25. On January 28, local authorities recovered seven bodies, and over the next three days, the toll rose to 23. Two critically injured survivors were rescued and hospitalised. However, some victims remain unidentified, while officials fear the death toll may rise as there is no information about the remaining passengers.

According to the families of some identified victims, the boat passengers were being smuggled from Libya to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea. All came from impoverished backgrounds, each paying between Taka 14 to 16 lakhs for the perilous journey across the Central Mediterranean route, with some Bangladeshi agents allegedly organising the operation. One recent victim, 19-year-old Titu, apparently took this life-threatening risk after being defrauded by an agent when applying for a work permit. This unfortunate scenario highlights the root of the matter.

Since 2017, Bangladeshi migrants have consistently ranked among the top nationalities crossing the Mediterranean Sea to Europe-a route often taken by those fleeing conflict or war in North African countries and considered as one of the most dangerous in the world. This probably underscores the grim reality driving such migrations.

While these migrants attempt to enter Europe illegally, each has their own reasons for taking such a desperate venture. Some had borrowed large sums in search of better opportunities. Others had tried to migrate legally but were deceived by unscrupulous agents, making them even more desperate.

Unfortunately, such desperation on their part to leave Bangladesh and many other countries from different parts of Africa highlights in more ways than one the severe lack of stable jobs and economic prospects in their home country.

In the meantime, the EU has decided to tighten the asylum rule with a list of 7 nations which are considered to be "safe"-- in a bid to making it harder for citizens of those nations to claim asylum in the bloc. The European Commission has said that it was proposing to designate Kosovo, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco and Tunisia as "safe countries of origin". The move is set to allow governments to process asylum applications filed from citizens of those countries more quickly -- by introducing a presumption that such applications lack merit. Magnus Brunner, the EU's Commissioner for migration has noted that "many member States are facing a significant backlog of applications, so anything we can do now to support faster asylum decisions is essential."

One needs to refer to another view before concluding this article.

Analyst Michele LeVoy has termed Europe's approach to migrant 'smuggling' as harmful and absurd. It has been noted by the analyst that "instead of tackling the lack of regular pathways, thereby forcing people to embark in dangerous migration journeys, European countries are targeting migrants while injecting billions into the border surveillance industry".

One needs also at this point to refer to the unfortunate clamp down on migrants, refugees and asylum seekers entering the United States, long described as a country built largely by immigrants. The Trump administration has been busy with "mass deportations" of not only "illegal aliens" but also "undocumented workers". President Donald Trump has also pledged to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States, which is guaranteed by the 14th amendment of the US Constitution.

Opposition to immigration in Western developed countries is reflected in the rise of xenophobia, racism, hostility and violence toward immigrants. Far-right political leaders also often depict migrants, refugees and asylum seekers as invaders, infiltrators, criminals, rapists and terrorists, and call for them to go home and to be deported.

One can only hope that better dimensions of human rights will slowly emerge and there will be greater understanding for the poverty-stricken hemisphere - where people wanting to emigrate are generally found in poor and violence-ridden countries.

Muhammad Zamir, a former Ambassador, is an analyst specialized in foreign affairs, right to information and good governance.​

 

[Saif]

REPLANTING THE BONSAI: Empowering Bangladeshi diaspora for a changing Gulf

Chief Adviser Yunus’ keynote address urged an end to the systemic barriers that restrict the potential of young people.

www.thedailystar.net

REPLANTING THE BONSAI: Empowering Bangladeshi diaspora for a changing Gulf

Many workers fall prey to unethical recruitment practices, where agents promise jobs and charge exorbitant fees. FILE PHOTO: AFP

In the heart of Doha, a city where modernity meets tradition, the Earthna Summit 2025 was convened on April 23, in the iconic Msheireb Downtown—a district that has become a global model for fusing energy-efficient design with Qatari heritage. The event was not just a gathering of experts and policymakers. It was a moment of reflection for the Bangladeshi expatriate community, many of whom have carved out lives in the Gulf with both ambition and trepidation. As the world's leaders and innovators gathered to discuss climate change and sustainable development, the eyes of Qatar's Bangladeshi diaspora members were on a singular figure whose voice has long echoed their hopes: Chief Adviser to the Bangladesh interim government Prof Muhammad Yunus.

Chief Adviser Yunus' keynote address urged an end to the systemic barriers that restrict the potential of young people. He reminded the audience that limitations on growth often stem not from an individual's inherent capabilities, but from the structures that confine them. "A bonsai tree is not small because of its seed," he said. "It is small because of the pot it is placed in." His call to rethink these boundaries resonated across the room, but it was particularly poignant for those in attendance who have lived with the constraints of a system that too often limits opportunity.

While the 2022 FIFA World Cup brought a wave of opportunity and infrastructure development to Qatar, many Bangladeshi workers now find themselves navigating an economy that is increasingly prioritising high-skilled service industries. For those who arrived with expertise in construction and manual labour, pathways to career mobility remain limited. The transition towards a more knowledge- and service-based economy has not been matched with inclusive upskilling or retraining efforts, leaving many migrant workers in uncertain and precarious employment conditions.

To grasp the layered and often invisible struggles shaping the lives of Bangladeshi migrant workers in Qatar, I sat down with Amin Rasul, secretary of the Bangladesh Community Qatar (BCQ) and a senior engineer at Qatar Electricity and Water Company. Rasul, who has worked closely with Qatar's Ministry of Labor and international organisations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), provided valuable insights into the complexities of the situation.

"The issue of managing such a large workforce is a multifaceted one," Rasul explained. "But at its core, it stems from the way recruitment operates. Many workers fall prey to unethical recruitment practices, where agents promise jobs and charge exorbitant fees. Once they arrive in Qatar, they often find themselves either jobless, in unsuitable roles, or trapped in conditions where employers control their bank cards and access to wages. Legally, systems may appear compliant, but exploitation continues through informal practices."

While recent reforms in Qatar, such as the 90-day grace period allowing workers to seek new employment after termination, have shown a commitment to improving labour conditions, the challenge remains one of awareness. "There is a hotline," Rasul noted, "but most workers are unaware of its existence. They are often victims of exploitation before they even have the opportunity to act."

Beyond legal reforms, there is also a pressing need for better access to education and skills development for the migrant workforce. Many Bangladeshi workers, even those in skilled professions such as engineering or healthcare, arrive in the Gulf with limited proficiency in the region's languages—Arabic and English. The result is a mismatch between the skills of the workers and the demands of the labour market. Opportunities in service sectors like hospitality remain limited for Bangladeshis, especially compared to other Asian diaspora communities such as the Indian, Pakistani, Nepali, and Filipino populations who are more integrated due to stronger language and communication competencies, said Zillur Rahman Biswas, a Bangladeshi educationist examining diaspora education in the Gulf. The reasons why other nations' diaspora schools have more institutional backing stems from many factors, including "larger and more affluent expatriate populations with longer establishments in the Gulf and a robust investor base," said Biswas.

"There is overwhelming demand for quality education among Bangladeshi families in Qatar," he shared. "We lack the space, trained staff, and institutional backing that schools of the Indian or Pakistani communities enjoy. This has long-term implications—not just for educational equity, but for the ability of our youth to compete in a global labour market."

During a visit to Qatar's Bangladeshi diaspora schools, which now serves around 1,800 students, I spoke with educators who highlighted the challenges they face. Overwhelmed by demand, the school had to introduce a second shift to accommodate the increasing number of students. Tuition fees remain low, ranging from QAR 350 to QAR 550 per month depending on grade level. Yet, despite the affordability, the school struggles with limited facilities, teacher training and resources. In stark contrast, other Asian diaspora communities have schools with greater investment, better infrastructure, and broader institutional recognition.

Bangladeshi community representatives consistently express the need for better schooling options that are both affordable and internationally aligned, to ensure that students are prepared for a changing and competitive job market.

Qatar is one of the top 10 remittance source countries for Bangladesh. According to remittance landscape and trajectory, remittance from Qatar amounted to $1.5 billion in FY2024. The scope for expanding the remittance portfolio in Qatar remains high, but the issue of skills development for Bangladesh's migrant workers continues to pose barriers. But this issue goes beyond the immediate needs of those living in the Gulf—it is tied directly to Bangladesh's larger aspirations on the global stage. As Bangladesh seeks to position itself as a manufacturing powerhouse—what some are calling the "factory of the world"—the need for a workforce that is both skilled and adaptable is more urgent than ever. Without a strategic investment in education, training, and language acquisition, Bangladesh risks falling behind in an increasingly competitive global market.

Dr Yunus' visit to Doha also marked a significant step forward in Qatar-Bangladesh relations. During his discussions with the Qatari government, issues such as workforce planning and the repayment of accumulated gas bills were on the table. These high-level engagements demonstrate a mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, not just in economic terms but in ways that respect and invest in the people who form the backbone of both nations' growth.

Ultimately, the success of Bangladesh's diaspora depends on empowering its youth to not merely survive but to excel. The world of work is rapidly evolving, and the opportunities available to young Bangladeshis in the Gulf, or anywhere else, will be shaped by how well they are prepared to engage with a dynamic, complex global economy.

Sarzah Yeasmin is a policy analyst working on the intersections of education and development economics. She is an alumna of Harvard University.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh to get highest priority in sending workers to Malaysia

Malaysia is set to recruit up to 1.5 lakh foreign workers within months, with Bangladesh expected to receive the highest recruitment priority.

en.prothomalo.com

Bangladesh to get highest priority in sending workers to Malaysia
BSS Dhaka
Published: 15 May 2025, 19: 12

Asif Nazrul is with Malaysian human resource minister Steven Sim Chee Keong during his ongoing trip to the country. Courtesy

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said Bangladesh will get the highest priority in sending workers to Malaysia soon.

"We have learned from different sources that Malaysia is going to recruit one lakh to 1.5 lakh foreign workers within the next couple of months. I have had talks with their Human Resources Minister (Steven Sim Chee Keong) and he assured us that Bangladesh will be given the highest priority in recruiting laborers. Maximum number of laborers will be recruited from Bangladesh, we have received this assurance," Dr Asif Nazrul, who is currently visiting Malaysia, said in a video post on his verified Facebook account.

The adviser, in the post, said he had official meetings with Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs and their Human Resources Minister. "I had informal discussions with their trade minister as well. There are some developments and that is what I am sharing with you all," he added.

Referring last year's visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Bangladesh, Dr Asif Nazrul said the Malaysian premier is a personal friend of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and during that visit he had given assurance that he would give a chance to around 17,000 Bangladeshi workers, who failed to go to Malaysia by the 31 May, 2024 deadline.

"We have had many discussions based on this. They said that they would take those laborers on batch-wise and they have prepared a list of 7,926 workers in the first batch. They would give them opportunity to go and work there within a very short time and they (Malaysian administration) have already started the process," he added.

Dr Asif Nazrul also said he had requested the Malaysian Interior Minister to give Bangladeshi workers multiple entry visas.

"I had pointed out that though laborers from other countries get multiple entry visas in Malaysia, Bangladeshi laborers were not getting this. We talked for a while on this and he not only assured me, but also ordered his officials to take immediate action regarding this," the adviser said.

He further said he requested Malaysian officials to consider taking skilled workforce like security guards, caregivers and nurses from Bangladesh and they sounded positive in reply. He said the Malaysian officials have showed interest and the talks will continue in this regard.

"These all productive discussions were result of the personal friendship between our Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. We could do these thanks to his (Professor Muhammad Yunus) guidance, his personal directions. Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi also took part in the discussions and contributed a lot," he said.​

 

[Saif]

Malaysia labour market to reopen for Bangladeshis

Malaysia, a key destination for Bangladeshi workers in Southeast Asia, will reopen its door to Bangladeshi labour for the third time.

www.newagebd.net

Malaysia labour market to reopen for Bangladeshis
Staff Correspondent 17 May, 2025, 00:51

Malaysia, a key destination for Bangladeshi workers in Southeast Asia, will reopen its door to Bangladeshi labour for the third time.

After a year of closure, Malaysian authorities agreed to reopen its labour market to Bangladesh, with 7,926 workers from the country set to join the first phase of the new spell of migration in the coming months.

The development resulted from bilateral meetings between Bangladesh authorities and Malaysia’s minister of human resources and minister of home affairs in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

‘Malaysia has decided in principle to recruit a large number of Bangladeshi workers in the days to come,’ said youth and sports adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain on Friday.

Asif in a post on his verified Facebook account further said Malaysia has also assured Bangladesh of ensuring proper wages, security, and overall welfare for the workers who will go to that country.

Earlier on Thursday, expatriates welfare and overseas employment adviser Asif Nazrul said Malaysia is set to recruit up to 1,50,000 foreign workers in the coming months and Bangladesh will receive the highest priority in the recruitment.

He revealed the information in a video message on his verified Facebook account following the bilateral meetings with the Malaysian authorities.

Asif Nazrul reminded that Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, during a visit to Bangladesh in the past year, had promised to allow those workers, who could not enter Malaysia that year, to get to that country this year.

Based on that decision, many discussions have taken place and Malaysia has finalised a list of 7,926 Bangladeshi workers for the first batch, who will soon get the opportunity to work in Malaysia, he said.

He also said that Malaysia has requested that all recruiting agents in Bangladesh should be allowed to send workers while Bangladesh has requested the regularisation of those Bangladeshi workers who have become irregular in Malaysia.

Asif further said they also discussed other issues, such as recruiting security personnel, caregivers, and nurses from Bangladesh.

Over the past 16 years, Malaysia’s labour market was shut down thrice for Bangladeshis.

Every time the issue of contention emerged to be the involvement of syndicates in sending workers to that country. Various allegations of irregularities, corruption, and bribery surfaced against the syndicates.

The Malaysian labour market was first shut down for Bangladeshis in 2009 and it was reopened towards the end of 2016.

The labour market was closed down again in September 2018 on the grounds of corruption and irregularities and it was reopened once again in 2022.

The third time was in March, 2024 when Malaysia again announced that they would not take any more workers for the time being. Those who had the approval and visas would have to enter that country by May 31, 2024, Malaysia further decided.

Some 8,98,970 Bangladeshis are currently working in Malaysia, according to official estimates. This is the highest number of foreign workers in the Southeast Asian country after Indonesians and Nepalese.

Malaysia is the fourth-highest remittance-sending country to Bangladesh.

Ministry officials said about 13 lakh Bangladeshi workers went to Malaysia from 2004 to May 2024. Of them, the largest proportion of workers went in a single year was in 2023 — more than 3.5 lakh.

In the first two years — 2007 and 2008 — before the labour market was closed first time, about 4,00,000 workers went to the country.

Before its labour market was closed for the second time, some 3,00,000 workers migrated to Malaysia in the last two years — 2017 and 2018 — while about 5,00,000 workers went to the country from August 2022 to May 2024.​

 

[Saif]

Migrants in Malaysia: Worker faces deportation after speaking up

Nearly 200 workers then began a strike on Friday, he said, requesting not to be named for fear of backlash.

www.thedailystar.net

Migrants in Malaysia: Worker faces deportation after speaking up

A Malaysian company has revoked the work permit of a Bangladeshi migrant and threatened to do the same to 60 others on Thursday, a day after the workers talked to Expatriates' Welfare Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul about poor working conditions, several workers have said.

The management of Negeri Sembilan-based Mediceram, which manufactures rubber gloves, called the worker named Nahid Ibrahim and told him that his work permit would be revoked and he would be deported, they said.

During his three-day visit to Malaysia from May 13-16, he met the Mediceram workers and held meetings with three Malaysian ministers to discuss how the Southeast Asian country can reopen its labour market for Bangladeshis and address the problems facing the workers.

Amid reports of irregularities in overseas recruitment, Malaysia suspended hiring Bangladesh workers in May last year.

Requesting anonymity, a worker of the gloves factory said, "We were shocked when we heard that Nahid would be deported and protested. Then, the management said it has a list of 60 of us who would be deported."

Nearly 200 workers then began a strike on Friday, he said, requesting not to be named for fear of backlash.

In an email to Prof Asif's Private Secretary Sarwoer Alam, Nahid wrote, "The company followed me and heard what I said about labour issues with our adviser. All of a sudden, they called me to the office and said I would be deported."

The email was also sent to the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

Nahid went to Malaysia under a three-year contract and his visa expired in August this year. He spent more than Tk 5 lakh to reach the country and is still in debt because the company had not paid him regularly, according to the email.

"Please discuss with the company and stand by me and my family," Nahid wrote.

Nahid told The Daily Star yesterday that neither the adviser's PS nor the High Commission responded to the email.

According to a letter submitted to Prof Asif on May 14, the Bangladeshis workers gave between Tk 500,000 and Tk 600,000 to a recruiting agency named Greenland for jobs in Malaysia.

"Before our flights, they forced us to say on camera that we paid only Tk 78,000," reads the letter.

However, wages have been irregular for the last two years. In some months, the company pays only half or one-third of the salary, it said.

"Our families are now in deep financial crises. Our debts have doubled. In some months, we had to borrow more money from Bangladesh just to afford food here," it said.

Under such circumstances, they filed a complaint to the Labour Court late last year and then to the Bangladesh High Commission, but got no remedy.

They then contacted a migrant rights activist Andy Hall, who raised the issue with Mediceram and then got the labour issues audited by a third party.

At one point of time, Mediceram agreed to pay wages regularly and repay Malaysian Ringgit (RM) 22,500, which was spent as recruitment fees. It also paid RM 1,000 as an advance, assuring that another RM 875 would be paid on May 31, and the remaining amount would be paid in 12 months.

"But this payment plan is extremely difficult for us and poses a major challenge for our families," they said in the letter.

They have also requested the company to pay the full recruitment fee in a single installment.

Earlier, Mediceram had deported 35 workers to Bangladesh without any notice. Currently, the work permits of 170 have not been renewed. Some have been without a visa for a year, others for two years. A few months ago, four workers were arrested as they had no valid visas, but the company has not taken any responsibility, the letter says.

"We urge that our visas be renewed within next month and earnestly request you to resolve all these issues," the letter said.

Prof Asif met these migrants on the Mediceram company premises, advised them to solve any problem through discussion and not do anything that can be harmful for them or the company.

He also provided the email and phone number so that the migrants could directly contact him.

Adviser Asif and his PS Sarower could not be reached over phone for comments yesterday.

The Daily Star emailed Mediceram seeking comments on the allegations, but was yet to receive a reply as of last night.​

 

[Saif]

Job prospects, well-being of migrant workers

The International Labour Organization (ILO)'s recently released World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO) report portrays a rather grim picture about the state of youth employment in Bangladesh. This is more so, as according to the outgoing country director of ILO, Bangladesh, who said, 'Glo

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Job prospects, well-being of migrant workers

SYED FATTAHUL ALIM
Published :
Jun 02, 2025 00:21
Updated :
Jun 02, 2025 00:21

The International Labour Organization (ILO)'s recently released World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO) report portrays a rather grim picture about the state of youth employment in Bangladesh. This is more so, as according to the outgoing country director of ILO, Bangladesh, who said, 'Global contraction of jobs is of grave concern, especially for Bangladesh which is undergoing political, economic, social and climatic transitions and sends over a million workers abroad'.

In this connection, going by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS)'s recently published Quarterly Labour Force data, in the second quarter of fiscal FY25, Bangladesh's unemployment rose to 4.63 per cent. The reason is, it says, the number of people unable to get a job was growing. So, the prospect for Bangladeshi workers to get overseas jobs looks less promising seeing that the ILO in its global employment forecast for 2025 projected the creation of only 53 million jobs which is 7.0 million fewer than 60 million forecasted earlier. Against this backdrop of declining trend in overseas job prospects for Bangladeshi workers, according to a news report, Japan, a highly industrialized Asian country, is going to recruit 100,000 workers from Bangladesh in the next five years is undoubtedly heartwarming.

In this connection, two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)are learnt to have been signed with Bangladesh's Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET), a department under the Ministry of Manpower Development and Social Welfare. The organizations that signed the MoUs with BMET are Kaikom Dream Street (KDS) BD Co, Ltd.---a Japan-Bangladesh joint venture company. The second MoU, on the other hand, was signed between BMET and Japan's National Business Support Combined Cooperatives (NBCC), a Japanese federation representing some 65 companies and the Japan Bangla Bridge Recruiting Agency (JBBRA). Obviously, the private initiatives are recogised both by the governments of Japan and Bangladesh regarding Bangladeshi workers' recruitment in Japan. The importance of these events lies in the fact that unlike in the case of Western job markets, Bangladeshi job-seekers are not unwelcome due to restrictive immigration policy. Neither are they (Bangladeshi workers) endangering their lives at the hands of the illicit human traffickers.

The findings of a survey held some months back in Japan reveal that 57 per cent of the 3,500 companies which were interviewed, admitted that they hired foreign workers as they (Japanese companies) believed foreign workers could perform equally or even better than Japanese workers. In fact, this is a big shift in Japanese employers' mindset since in the past, the foreign workers who arrived in Japan on 'technical interim' visas got low-paid jobs. But the attitude has changed for the better over the years, thanks to Japan's declining population. The Japanese population including foreign nationals fell by 550,000 to 123.8 million in 2024. This marked the straight 14th year of decline in that country's population. In 2022, for instance, Japan's working age population (between 15 and 64 years of age) shrank by 296,000 to 74.2 million.

It is further projected that by 2060, the working age population would further decline to 47.95 million in Japan. Similarly, the labour force is projected to contract by 24 per cent or 16.1 million by 2050. Such a demographic regression in an advanced industrial nation is only expected. All industrially advanced nations are facing similar demographic crises. But when in Europe and North America, some politicians are whipping up anti-immigrant prejudice and obstructing entry of foreign workers, Japan has adopted the policy of welcoming them. However, unlike the job markets in the Gulf Arab states where most of Bangladesh's unskilled labour force has been traditionally destined, the Japanese labour market has practically no place for unskilled, or semi-skilled workers. Another barrier is the language. But the good news is that the Japanese companies willing to take Bangladeshi workers have come forward in this regard. The KDS that signed a MoU with BMET, for instance, will set up a specialised training cell at the Monohardi Technical Training Centre (MTTC). This facility will be under the Japan's Technical Training Program (TTIP) and Specified Skilled Workers (SSO) Initiative and operate by the name of Dream Street Business Training Center (DSBTC). The other MoU signed with NBCC and JBBRA, as noted in the foregoing, on a model training centre, styled, Bhalo Chakri Training Centre, will be set up under the TTIP and SSWO programmes. What is very interesting to note in this connection is that that different representatives of the Japanese industrial groups including the chairman of NBCC, Mikio Kasagayama, and the director of the Shizuoka Workplace Development Cooperative, Mitsuru Matsuhita, have openly expressed their choice about the skilled, young workers from Bangladesh.

This is a clear message from the Japanese corporate world that Japan, unlike other rich nations, industrialised or otherwise, will not be an apathetic or even hostile workplace for Bangladeshi workers. Given its aging population, the country is going to import an increasing number of foreign workers in the coming days. In that case, the government should expand the skills training facilities and Japanese language courses. Being a labour-surplus nation, Bangladesh should make the most of this opportunity.

While celebrating the widening prospects for job opportunities for our workers in Japan or any other overseas destinations, the government should not lose sight of the fact that the Bangladeshi expatriate workers are not mere hard currency earning machines. Their and their families' well-being should also be of equal concern, especially for the Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in the host countries. A recent report by the Refugee and Migratory Movement Research Unit (RMMRU), an organization working for better governance and services in the migration sector, came up with some shocking statistics about the deaths of expatriate workers abroad. It says, 31 per cent of these migrant workers die unnatural deaths in their host countries. Of these deaths, 16 per cent reportedly die in accidents, while 15 per cent commit suicide. But some 48 per cent of the families and relatives of the dead migrant workers have no faith in the death certificates issued by the authorities concerned of the host countries. Analysing the RMMRU report, a discussion event on the issue last week in the city, pointed out that the average age of the accident and suicide victims is 37 years. In some cases, the deaths are caused under dubious circumstances. No further post-mortem examinations are done in Bangladesh after the dead migrant workers' arrive in Bangladesh, though some corpses show marks of injury. Since challenging death certificates of the victim workers issued by the host government might be a sensitive issue, the World Health Organization (WHO)'s involvement and its guidance need to be ensured in this case.

In sum, of all the concerns often expressed about the expatriate workers and their status, the ones about their personal well-being should take centre stage.​

 

[Saif]

Will migrant workers’ dreams remain unfulfilled?

The concept of remittances is not new. Migrant labourers sending money home dates back to colonial times.

www.thedailystar.net

Will migrant workers’ dreams remain unfulfilled?

To ensure migrants’ dreams are realised, we need effective policies and a humane state response. File photo: STAR

The International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) is observed on June 16, a commemoration initiated in 2015 with support from the United Nations' International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This year's global theme is "Remittances Financing Development." The day honours the sacrifices of migrant workers worldwide and their vital contributions to family and national economies through remittances.

The concept of remittances is not new. Migrant labourers sending money home dates back to colonial times. Today's formal systems are a modern continuation of that.

For developing countries like Bangladesh, remittances are a key economic pillar. But a pressing question remains: are the dreams and sacrifices of those behind the remittances truly acknowledged? Or are they simply meeting the needs of others while leaving their own aspirations unfulfilled?

Worldwide, over 280 million people currently live and work abroad for better job opportunities. The money they send home plays a significant role in global development. According to the World Bank, remittances to developing countries totalled around $650 billion in 2024. More than half of this amount—about $322 billion—was sent to just five countries. India led with $129 billion, followed by Mexico ($68 billion), China ($48 billion), the Philippines ($40 billion), and Pakistan ($33 billion).

In smaller economies, remittances form a large share of GDP—45 percent in Tajikistan, 38 percent in Tonga, and over 25 percent in countries like Lebanon, Nicaragua, and Samoa—helping to offset fiscal deficits and economic instability.

Since its independence, Bangladesh has pursued foreign employment, especially in the Middle East. Formal labour migration began in 1976, and remittances have since been a major source of foreign income. By the 1980s and 1990s, labour markets expanded to Southeast Asia and beyond. As overseas employment grew, remittance channels became more secure, aided by policy support and the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment.

Technological advancements in the 2000s, especially mobile banking, made sending money faster and safer. This helped solidify remittances as an economic mainstay.

According to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), more than 15 million Bangladeshis have gone abroad on work visas over the last 50 years. Their remittances have boosted the country's foreign currency reserves and revitalised rural areas.

In the first five months of 2025 alone, Bangladeshi expatriates sent home over $13 billion, which made the country the sixth highest remittance recipient globally.

Remittances are Bangladesh's second largest source of foreign currency after exports. But their impact goes far beyond balance sheets: families of remittance senders experience better living standards and reduced poverty, and more spending on schools and medical care boosts human development. Remittance income supports micro-enterprises and job creation. These inflows strengthen national economic resilience. Ultimately, remittances help ensure food security, improve access to services, reduce inequality, and promote women's empowerment.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshis move to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe and beyond, seeking better lives and livelihood opportunities. Their aim is simple: financial stability and a better future for their families. But the path is often painful. Many take loans or sell land to pay brokers, entering a cycle of debt even before departure. After arrival, they often face contract violations, wage delays, poor living conditions, and isolation. The work is gruelling and hours are long, but they endure for their families.

Sending money home isn't always easy. Despite progress, many still rely on informal channels like hundi, risking their hard-earned money and costing the nation valuable foreign currency. Access to secure digital services remains limited in some areas.

These workers dream modestly: a home and education for their children. Yet, many return home empty-handed, without reintegration support, job prospects or recognition.

To ensure migrants' dreams are realised, we need effective policies and a humane state response. Key steps include: ensuring safe, accessible remittance channels; providing training, legal aid, and information before departure to reduce exploitation; protecting migrant families; supporting reintegration by offering returnees skill training, microcredit, and employment pathways; strengthening diplomatic support by making embassies more responsive and compassionate towards migrant needs; and expanding incentives.

Remittances aren't just transactions. They are a child's tuition, a mother's medicine, a family's sustenance. Migrant workers send more than money. They send love, courage, and untold stories of struggle. They deserve more than symbolic recognition. They deserve lasting commitment. Only then will their sacrifices result in fulfilled dreams.

M M Mahbub Hasan is a banker and development researcher.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh’s overseas labour market faces major setbacks

Saudi Arabia has long been the top destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers. Historically, 34 per cent of all workers going abroad have chosen the Middle Eastern country. In the first five months of this year alone, 73 per cent of Bangladeshi overseas workers went to Saudi Arabia. However...

en.prothomalo.com

Bangladesh’s overseas labour market faces major setbacks

Mohiuddin Dhaka
Published: 24 Jun 2025, 12: 12

Migrant labourers working on a construction site in Qatar. AFP File Photo

Saudi Arabia has long been the top destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers. Historically, 34 per cent of all workers going abroad have chosen the Middle Eastern country. In the first five months of this year alone, 73 per cent of Bangladeshi overseas workers went to Saudi Arabia. However, this once-reliable labour market is now shrinking.

The situation is even more dire in other major destinations. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bangladesh’s second-largest labour market, is currently closed. Oman, the third-largest, has remained closed since last year. Malaysia’s labour market shut down in June last year, though bilateral discussions are ongoing to reopen it soon. Meanwhile, the potential to send workers to Japan and South Korea remains largely untapped, and the opportunity to enter European labour markets is also being underutilised.

People involved in the migration sector say that Bangladesh’s overdependence on a few select countries is the main reason for the stagnation. They note that the demand in Saudi Arabia, driven by its infrastructure expansion ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, has already begun to decline. This June, Saudi Arabia suspended visa issuance, and while a new announcement is expected in July, the uncertainty remains. Without opening alternative labour markets, the outflow of Bangladeshi workers is likely to fall further.

According to data from the Bangladesh Manpower, Employment and Training Bureau (BMET), more than 1.1 million workers went abroad in 2022. The number increased to 1.3 million in 2023. However, in 2024, it dropped by 300,000 to just over 1 million.

In the first five months of this year, 420,000 workers went abroad—300,000 of them to Saudi Arabia. Qatar was the next largest destination, taking in 40,000 workers, followed by Singapore, which accepted over 26,000.

Stakeholders in the sector note that most workers heading to Saudi Arabia secure recruitment through personal connections or relatives. This has led to the rise of a broker class, some of whom forge fake recruitment letters. As a result, some workers arrive in Saudi Arabia only to find no employment, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. If this flow is reduced or halted, such cases may decrease.

Ali Haider Chowdhury, former secretary general of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA), told Prothom Alo that Saudi visas have been suspended for the past month and new demand has also declined. “We must wait to see what kind of announcement Saudi Arabia makes in July. They may introduce stricter screening procedures for recruitment. It is therefore essential to develop alternative labour markets,” he said.

Female workers also declining

The situation is particularly challenging for female workers, whose primary destination is the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia, where most are employed as domestic workers. Many return home after experiencing abuse, torture, or sexual harassment. These conditions are causing a significant decline in women’s interest in overseas employment.

BMET figures show that 105,466 female workers went abroad in 2022. In 2023, this dropped to 76,108—a 28 per cent decrease. The decline continued last year, with the number falling to 61,158, a further drop of 20 per cent. In the first five months of this year, only 24,617 women went abroad. Among them, 17,786 went to Saudi Arabia, while 4,500 went to Jordan.

Although overall overseas employment has increased in recent years, the share of female workers has steadily declined. From 2022 to 2024, over 3.4 million workers went abroad, yet the number of female workers fell by 250,000. In contrast, between 2015 and 2019, more than 100,000 female workers went abroad each year. The number dropped in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but rebounded in the following two years—only to decline again in the last two.

Sumaiya Islam, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Nari Sramik Kendra (BNSK), told Prothom Alo, “The necessary support system for women workers in the Middle East has not been ensured. Moreover, the income is not proportionate to the workload, especially for domestic work in Saudi Arabia. There are numerous complaints. As a result, women's interest is decreasing. Additionally, Middle Eastern countries are now hiring workers from African nations as alternatives.”

Urgent need to diversify

Experts believe that overreliance on a handful of countries is the root cause of Bangladesh’s vulnerability in the global labour market. They point out that whenever a country opens its market, Bangladeshi workers enter in large numbers. But when issues arise, the market closes, and another destination is sought. This cycle has confined Bangladesh’s migrant labour force to a few destinations.

Shakirul Islam, chairperson of the grassroots migrant rights organization OKUP (Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Programme), described the current situation as deeply disappointing. He noted that the allocation for the sector has been reduced in the proposed national budget, and that prospects for expanding employment abroad appear slim.

“There has been no notable progress in opening up new labour markets,” he said. “Even in countries where there is potential, we are failing to capitalise on the opportunities.”​

 

[Saif]

Easing travails of overseas job-seekers

The surge, as reported, in the remittance inflow from Bangladesh's expatriate workers in the last fiscal year (20024-25) that has broken all past records could not have come at a better time. In fact, the total amount of remittance over the entire period of FY'25 that crossed US$31 billion marking

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Easing travails of overseas job-seekers

Published :
Jul 01, 2025 23:23
Updated :
Jul 01, 2025 23:23

The surge, as reported, in the remittance inflow from Bangladesh's expatriate workers in the last fiscal year (20024-25) that has broken all past records could not have come at a better time. In fact, the total amount of remittance over the entire period of FY'25 that crossed US$31 billion marking an increase by 25.50 per cent compared to that of the previous fiscal (FY24) at US$23.74 billion speaks volumes for the confidence that the hard working remittance earners have in the government that replaced the autocratic regime of the past through the July-August, 2024 popular uprising. There is no denying that the stringent measures that the incumbent interim government adopted to curb illegal informal channels including the so-called 'hundi' of money transfer as well as introduction of a more market-oriented exchange rate regime have played a positive role in achieving this positive outcome. Admittedly, the financial incentives offered to encourage the expatriate workers to send their remittance through official channels did play their part in the rise of the volume of remittance inflow.

This is obviously an occasion to celebrate as the hard-earned remittance money will go to bolster the country's foreign exchange reserves and contribute to maintaining macroeconomic stability and managing external debt. It is not only the government's hard currency hungry foreign currency account that the enhanced remittance earning will serve, the money will also improve financial conditions of the recipient families. But as the boost in remittance inflow is not simply a matter of government policies or the mere goodwill of the migrant workers, the present level of remittance inflow cannot be taken for granted. Numerous factors including the policies of the host governments on migrant workers, bilateral relations between governments -- the host government and migrant workers' country of origin, international politics, behaviour of the global foreign exchange market at a given time etc.; determine the rate of remittance.

So, it would be wise to shift the attention to other important issues that the policymakers have always given short shrift to. Even as the remittance earners as a community in general are showered with words of praise from the government, the Press and the intellectual class for the yeoman service they have been rendering to the nation, the total outlook changes as soon as they are faced with an individual remittance earner. A not-so-impressive-looking migrant worker, often having her/his origin in the countryside, obviously fail to claim the attention they deserve from the smart, educated, and mostly urbane officials of the foreign missions or those at home.

An immediate outcome of this indifferent attitude of the foreign mission officials towards the migrant workers from their home country is that the officials of the host government or the private sector employers of that country, too, find no reason to be kind to those migrant workers in question. To break this vicious circle of apathy and neglect towards the hapless migrant workers, the government at home needs to play a very proactive, attentive and protective role. On this score, the government should learn from how aggressively other manpower exporting countries deal with the host governments when it comes to the cause of their nationals abroad. The government, at the same time, should pay attention to easing the travails the overseas job-seekers undergo at every step of their journey abroad. High amounts they are charged by the recruiting agencies, the agents of overseas employers, as part of various documentation fees, must be reduced to the bare minimum. To start with, the government should initiate a hassle-free one-stop service for overseas job-seekers.​