Bangladesh targets 100,000 workers for Russia next year

Bangladesh has discussed plans with Russia to increase the number of Bangladeshi workers in the country to 100,000 by next year, as both sides explore ways to deepen cooperation in labor migration, trade, and technology.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, following discussions between Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Russian officials during his ongoing visit to Moscow.

According to the ministry, around 10,000 Bangladeshi nationals are currently employed in Russia. During the talks, Bangladesh proposed raising the figure to 100,000 workers, a move that Russian authorities reportedly welcomed and expressed interest in implementing swiftly. Both sides expect to complete the necessary formalities in the near future.

Beyond labor migration, the two countries agreed that bilateral trade remains well below its potential. The discussions emphasized expanding Bangladeshi exports to the Russian market, particularly ready-made garments and pharmaceutical products.

The meeting also focused on strengthening technological cooperation, with special attention given to collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI). The two sides agreed in principle to facilitate a visit by a Russian delegation to Bangladesh to explore the application of AI technologies in the agriculture and healthcare sectors.

Read More: Establishment of Supreme Court secretariat stays

The Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is currently in Russia on a three-day official visit, accompanied by the Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Humayun Kabir.