Dhaka: State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Hoque announced in Jatiya Sangsad that the government intends to create one crore overseas employment opportunities over the next five years. This plan aligns with the government’s action plan and election manifesto.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the initiative includes a 180-day roadmap, a short-term plan spanning six months, and a phased implementation strategy to achieve the target within five years. The state minister shared these details while responding on behalf of Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ariful Haque Chowdhury to a question from opposition lawmaker Md. Majedur Rahman of Gaibandha-1.
The announcement comes as the government navigates geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which have impacted labor markets in the Middle East-a major destination for Bangladesh’s migrant workers. These markets are currently facing contraction, posing challenges for
the government.
Additionally, the state minister noted that Malaysia, a key labor market for Bangladesh, had been closed for some time. However, recent visits by the minister and the Prime Minister’s adviser have led to productive discussions with the Malaysian government, signaling a potential reopening of the market soon.
The state minister also mentioned emerging opportunities in Thailand and Cambodia, highlighting several initiatives taken by the government since assuming office. He expressed optimism that the results of these initiatives would start to manifest within the next six months.