Bangladesh Advocates for Stronger Global Labour Cooperation

Dr. Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh's Adviser for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, reiterated the country’s commitment to enhancing international labour cooperation to improve employment prospects for its youth. Speaking at the Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Nazrul emphasized Bangladesh's goal of ensuring its young population is not merely seeking jobs but is becoming a vital force in both local and global economies.

“Our aim is to transform Bangladesh’s youth into valuable contributors to the global workforce,” he stated, as reported in a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dr. Nazrul spotlighted Bangladesh’s Skills for Employment Investment Program (SEIP), which has successfully trained over 200,000 young individuals in critical sectors such as IT, healthcare, and manufacturing. He shared that 70 percent of SEIP graduates secure employment within six months, underscoring the success of the initiative's industry-focused training and effective public-private partnerships.

In his address, Dr. Nazrul also stressed the role of digital job-matching platforms and AI-driven employment solutions, noting Bangladesh’s position as the world's second-largest provider of online freelancers, generating over $500 million annually.

He reaffirmed the country’s dedication to creating sustainable job opportunities, narrowing the gap between education and industry needs, and supporting the welfare of Bangladesh’s overseas workforce. Expressing optimism for future international collaborations, Dr. Nazrul voiced hopes for enhanced cooperation to further empower young workers in global labour markets.

The conference, which brought together policymakers, industry leaders, scholars, and labour experts from over 100 countries, is a key platform for addressing the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of global employment.

During the conference, Dr. Nazrul also held a bilateral meeting with Qatari Labour Minister Dr. Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri. In their discussion, Dr. Nazrul thanked Qatar for its continued support of Bangladeshi workers and made several proposals to improve the welfare of the workforce. He called for comprehensive insurance coverage for natural death, financial assistance for workers involved in legal disputes, and a greater recruitment of skilled professionals in healthcare, technology, and renewable energy to align with Qatar’s Vision 2030.

The adviser further advocated for reducing migration costs, ensuring transparency in the recruitment process, and establishing skill-specific training centers in Bangladesh to modernize its labour ecosystem. Dr. Nazrul proposed that the 7th Joint Committee Meeting between Bangladesh and Qatar be held in Doha in early 2025, aiming to deepen bilateral cooperation under the 1988 labour agreement.

Dr. Al Marri acknowledged the significant contributions of Bangladeshi workers and assured Dr. Nazrul that Qatar would consider Bangladesh’s proposals with a positive outlook.