United News of Bangladesh

General members of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) formed a human chain in front of the Probashi Kalyan Bhaban in Eskaton Garden on Thursday, demanding the reopening of labour markets including Malaysia. The programme was followed by the submission of a memorandum to the Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser. Speakers at the human chain urged the government to take immediate steps to meet all the conditions set by the Malaysian authorities and reopen the labour market ‘at any cost’. In the memorandum, the BAIRA members said labour markets currently closed should be reopened giving priority to the interests of migrant workers and ensuring safe migration at low costs. ‘In the greater interest of the nation and migrant workers, we pledge to fully support any government initiative to open labour markets and to follow all official procedures in recruiting workers, it reads. Speakers said BAIRA members facilitate overseas employment for over one million workers each year, contributing nearly $24 billion in remittance and playing a vital role in the country’s economy. They said Malaysia is the second-largest labour market for Bangladeshi workers after Saudi Arabia. However, recruitment from all source countries has remained suspended since May 31, 2024, due to Malaysia’s internal policies. Prof Yunus, Qatar’s Energy Minister explore energy sector collaboration They also pointed out that other labour destinations like the UAE, Oman and Qatar remain closed or allow only limited worker intake. In this context, they demanded embassy-level reports on the reasons behind such closures and recommendations for reopening the markets. The memorandum also noted that Malaysia has recently resumed recruitment from 14 source countries, and a final decision regarding Bangladesh is expected following the upcoming Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting scheduled for May 21. Speakers expressed concern over attempts by a section of BAIRA, including suspended joint secretary Fakrul Islam, who allegedly oppose the reopening of the Malaysian labour market. Despite existing legal and formal frameworks, they continue to spread allegations of human trafficking and money laundering, potentially harming bilateral efforts and delaying the market’s reopening, they said.      

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday underlined the need for taking preparation from right now to deal with the possible changes that would happen in the domestic and international labour markets as a result of the 4th industrial revolution (4IR). “We’ve a huge labour force, which will have to be included in it. They will have to be trained, educated and developed as skilled manpower,” she said. The premier was addressing the inauguration of 24th national convention and 43rd council session of Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) in the city’s Osmani Memorial Auditorium, joining it through a virtual platform from Ganobhaban. She said her government has emphasized skills enhancement, employment growth, strengthening technology and institutional capacity, regional connectivity and infrastructure development, economic and social equity, women empowerment and ensuring equal opportunities for all to face the changed situation. Read: Work for more food production amid looming crisis, PM Hasina urges BCL members She said that the skills development programmes have been launched to face the challenges induced by the 4IR and to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “Because it is very essential to develop skilled manpower,” she added. “In this era of 4IR, the use of technology, artificial intelligence and robotics are important factors,” said the PM. She said the 4IR will hugely impact Bangladesh's economy and employment. The use of robots and technology with artificial intelligence has already started in the readymade garment sector in the country and will start in other sectors gradually. As a result of the use of robots and technology with artificial intelligence, the productivity in the RMG sector is increasing and the quality of the clothes is improving simultaneously, she went on. Putting emphasis on technical education, the premier said it is essential to bring a radical change in the country’s education system. “We’ve already brought changes here,” she said. “We are implementing comprehensive programmes in science and technology, and technical education to turn manpower into human resources,” she said, mentioning different steps and plans of the government in this regard.

The government has taken an initiatives to send workers to six new countries as a part of efforts to export manpower to alternative labour markets.