Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today emphasized the importance of crafting a realistic roadmap for sending skilled manpower to Europe, acknowledging the pivotal role remittance earners play in bolstering the national economy. “Remittances sent by expatriates are one of the driving forces of our economy. The government and relevant stakeholders must work together to enhance this flow and create a new labour market abroad,” he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister delivered these remarks at a seminar titled ‘Ten lakh skilled manpower in the European labour market: Presentation of the masterplan (2026-2031) and ensuring the state rights of expatriates’ held at Jatiya Press Club. The event was jointly organized by the Italy-Bangla Shamannay Unnayan Samity and Bangladesh Probashi Unnayan Samity.
Swapon, speaking as the chief guest, highlighted the economic challenges inherited from previous governments and underscored the necessity of increasing remittance income to achieve economic self-reliance. He stressed the importance of prioritizing employment and foreign exchange earnings to realize the slogan ‘Bangladesh first’ promoted by leader Tarique Rahman.
Presenting the current state of foreign exchange earnings, the minister noted that Bangladesh primarily relies on the ready-made garment (RMG) sector and remittances, earning approximately US$ 40-42 billion and US$ 20 billion annually, respectively. He argued that diversifying export products and extending the export market for employment abroad are crucial for sustaining the economy.
Swapon also pointed to the potential of the tourism sector as a substantial alternative source of foreign exchange, provided international-standard infrastructure is developed in tourist hotspots like Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata. He emphasized the opportunity presented by the country’s demographic dividend, advocating for the training and global deployment of the large working-age population.
Describing expatriate Bangladeshis as ‘ambassadors of the country’, Swapon stressed the significance of discipline and compliance with local laws for workers abroad. He further emphasized the need for language training, skills development, and moral guidance for expatriates.
He assured that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting would support awareness campaigns and publicity efforts in this regard. The seminar featured a presentation of a master plan aiming to send 10 lakh skilled workers to the European Union labour market over the next five years. Discussions also covered measures to ensure expatriates’ voting rights and reserved seats in the Jatiya Sangsad.
The seminar was attended by Director of the Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) Md Salah Uddin, its Deputy Director Mohammad Ali Mortuza, and BNP’s All European unit convener Mohiuddin Ahmed Jhintu, with Italy-Bangla Shamannay Unnayan Samity founder president Shah Muhammad Taifur Rahman Choton presiding over the event.