Dhaka: State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam announced today that Malaysia will employ approximately 200,000 Bangladeshi workers over the next six months. The recruitment process will be facilitated through various agencies within Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the state minister emphasized that preparations are underway for investments totaling around US$ two billion in sectors such as electric vehicles, solar panels, renewable energy, and halal food in Bangladesh. These initiatives are expected to commence shortly, as stated by Shahe Alam during a press briefing following a meeting with Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman and LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan at the Secretariat.
The meeting, attended by Mir Shahe Alam and Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hassan, highlighted significant progress in discussions regarding the hiring of Bangladeshi workers by Malaysia. Shahe Alam revealed that 200,000 workers would be employed, with 10,000 hired free of cost. The export of manpower from Bangladesh is set to begin in phases starting from the end of September and is expected to be completed within six months.
Additionally, the meeting covered discussions on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's upcoming visit to Malaysia and ways to further strengthen bilateral relations. Currently, around eight lakh registered Bangladeshi workers reside in Malaysia, alongside some unregistered individuals. The Bangladeshi minister has requested Malaysian authorities to register these unregistered workers. Furthermore, approximately 10,000 Bangladeshi students are studying in Malaysia, while around 1,000 Malaysian students are pursuing education in various Bangladeshi medical colleges.
Addressing inquiries about e-rickshaws, Shahe Alam clarified that these vehicles will not be permitted on main roads, but arrangements will be made for their operation on internal roads across eight designated zones. The policy governing e-rickshaw operations is in its final stages and will soon be vetted by the Law Ministry. Once approved, it will regulate the operation of electric rickshaws in Bangladesh.
The meeting also explored the technology of rubberised road carpeting utilized in Malaysia. Malaysia has agreed to provide technical assistance to Bangladesh in using polymer-modified bitumen, commonly known as rubberised bitumen, for road construction. This technology, which helps maintain road quality despite heavy rainfall, involves incorporating rubber into the road carpeting process.