PM's Malaysia visit expected to create major opportunity for reopening labour market: Nur

State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque has expressed hope that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's upcoming visit to Malaysia will create a significant opportunity for reopening the long-suspended labour market.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting at the foreign ministry today (15 June) regarding the expansion of overseas labour markets, Nurul Haque shared his expectations.

He said, "Malaysia's labour market has remained closed for a long time. We hope the prime minister's upcoming visit to Malaysia will create a major opportunity to reopen it."

Officials at the foreign ministry said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit Malaysia on his first overseas trip as head of government. He is scheduled to travel to Kuala Lumpur from 21 to 22 June and will then visit China from 23 to 26 June. The prime minister is expected to travel directly from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

The state minister also said, "On labour market issues, 18 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) have been sent to around 18 countries, including Thailand, and are currently awaiting signature. These initiatives are being pursued through the foreign ministry."

Recently, some Bangladeshis who travelled to Russia for employment reportedly encountered difficulties, including becoming involved in Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine.

Addressing the issue, Nurul Haque said, "From now on, those travelling to Russia must not become involved in the war under any circumstances and must travel on valid work visas. The embassy and the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) will strictly verify these matters."

He added, "The government's five-year target has created an opportunity to send between 3 lakh and 4 lakh workers to Russia. The demand has largely emerged because many foreign investors and local residents have left due to the war."

The government has been actively addressing allegations that 30 Bangladeshis who recently travelled to Russia became involved in the conflict. Cases have been filed against the agencies that sent them, and their recruiting licences have been suspended.

Nurul Haque said it would not be reasonable to shut down an entire labour market because of a specific problem.

"If you have a headache, cutting off your head is not the solution," he said. "Instead, the focus is on ensuring fair recruitment and sending workers abroad through proper procedures."