Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said that the government has a specific plan to explore alternative overseas labor markets in light of recent instability in the Middle East, including Iran
He made the statement on Wednesday during the question-and-answer session in the Jatiya Sangsad, responding in writing to a question from Member of Parliament Md Ashraf Uddin. The session was chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram.
The Prime Minister said “Considering the situation in the Middle East, initiatives have been taken to expand alternative labor markets in Europe and other regions. These include countries such as Serbia, Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, Portugal, Brazil, and Russia. Efforts are underway to sign bilateral agreements with these nations.”
“Plans have also been made for high-level visits to strengthen relations with countries recruiting workers outside the Middle East. At the same time, Bangladeshi embassies abroad have been instructed to explore new labor markets and assess profession-based demand.”
Tarique Rahman further said, “Based on recommendations from Bangladesh missions abroad, local lobbyists or specialized agencies may be appointed if necessary on a country-specific basis. In addition, efforts are ongoing to reopen the labor market in Malaysia, and initiatives have been taken to sign worker recruitment agreements with Thailand.”
He also noted that due to strong demand for Bangladeshi workers in Japan, the scope of Japanese language and skills training have been expanded.
Currently, Japanese language training is being provided at 53 Technical Training Centers (TTCs). Recruitment of instructors for Japanese, Russian, Arabic, German, and Italian languages is also ongoing, he added.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
