Malaysian labor market reopening in the last week of August: Information Adviser

Photo: Collected

​News Desk: The long-awaited Malaysian labor market for Bangladeshi workers is opening in the last week of this August, announced Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, the government's Information Adviser.

​He stated that based on the consensus reached during a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh and Malaysia, employment opportunities in Malaysia have been created for all workers.

​The government's goal is to send workers through a transparent process free from past irregularities and harassment, ensuring that genuine job seekers receive equal opportunities.

​The Information Adviser shared these details on Tuesday at a press conference held at the Secretariat to highlight the recent activities of various ministries.

​Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman said, "The Malaysian labor market is reopening in the last week of August. Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson, has already provided detailed information in this regard."

​He continued, "I would like to inform everyone once again that an opportunity for all workers to go to Malaysia has been created based on the consensus reached in the bilateral meeting between the two countries. This is very important positive news for us."

​He further noted that Malaysia is one of Bangladesh's largest labor markets. Due to various complications and limitations in sending workers to this market over a long period, many job seekers have been deprived of work opportunities abroad. The government hopes that this stagnation will end through these new initiatives, paving the way to resume sending workers regularly.

​The Information Adviser mentioned that in the past, sending workers to Malaysia was plagued by various irregularities, dominance by a limited number of recruiting agencies, excessive migration costs, and allegations of corruption at multiple levels. Consequently, many Bangladeshi workers suffered financial loss and faced various forms of harassment even before departing for abroad.

​He remarked, "We know that many irregularities occurred in this process in the past. Workers suffered various hardships and harassment. Learning from that experience, the current government wants to send workers through a transparent, accountable, and non-discriminatory system."

​The government's goal is to ensure that genuine job seekers do not fall prey to any syndicate, extortion, or irregularities.

​Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman stated that foreign employment does not merely create job opportunities; it also makes a significant contribution to the national economy. Bangladeshis working abroad send a massive amount of foreign currency home every year, which plays a crucial role in economic stability, investment, and development. Therefore, alongside ensuring safe migration, the government is placing equal emphasis on workers' rights and welfare.

​He emphasized that the government wants outgoing workers to travel abroad legally by following designated regulations and to enjoy a safe, dignified work environment there. Relevant ministries and departments are working in a coordinated manner toward this goal.

​The Information Adviser further added that the government is continuing initiatives to increase domestic employment as well. Coordinated planning is underway across all sectors—industrialization, infrastructure development, agriculture, small and medium enterprise development, and expanding into new labor markets abroad.

​He noted that in opening new labor markets, the government aims to learn from past mistakes to build a system that ensures transparency and accountability at every stage—worker selection, registration, training, visa processing, and dispatching abroad. The government maintains a strict stance to prevent dishonest syndicates from exploiting this opportunity to extract extra money from ordinary people.

​Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman expressed optimism that once the Malaysian labor market reopens, new job opportunities will be created for thousands of Bangladeshi workers. Simultaneously, foreign currency earnings will rise, positively impacting the overall economy.

​He stated that the government aims to enhance Bangladesh's reputation in the international labor market by sending skilled, trained, and eligible manpower abroad. To that end, the government continues working toward necessary reforms, international cooperation, and worker-friendly policies.

​Reaffirming his optimism, the Information Adviser concluded that the reopening of the Malaysian labor market is promising news for lakhs of job seekers in the country. The government intends to maximize this opportunity to open doors of new potential for Bangladeshi workers through a transparent, governance-based migration system.