President calls for safer migration and skilled workforce

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday called for safer migration, dignified employment and better skills training to strengthen Bangladesh’s standing in the global labour market, insisting that migrant workers deserve greater protection and recognition for their contribution to the national economy.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) and the Sonar Manush Sammilan 2026 at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka, the president urged the government, the opposition and other stakeholders to work in unison to safeguard migrants’ rights. He noted that Bangladesh received $35 billion in remittances in the 2025-26 fiscal year, adding that the labour and sacrifices of migrant workers sustain the economy, and he described remittances and the ready-made garment sector as two of its principal pillars. Nevertheless, he expressed concern that many Bangladeshis migrate without adequate skills or proper documentation, leaving them vulnerable to poor working conditions and hardship abroad. Drawing on his observations in Malaysia, Singapore and the Middle East, he said workers often endure arduous lives while remitting most of their earnings. Furthermore, he criticised the exorbitant cost of overseas employment, saying workers may pay Tk 500,000-600,000 in total, partly owing to intermediaries, influential individuals and recruitment agencies. Recalling an earlier initiative under President Ziaur Rahman, he said Saudi Arabia had once offered to cover travel and related expenses for workers recruited for municipal jobs.

The president also highlighted government initiatives, including plans to set up vocational training centres at the upazila level and to introduce a migrant card, both aimed at building a skilled workforce and protecting workers abroad. Moreover, he urged the minister concerned to give serious consideration to the proposed Decade of Migration and called for coordinated efforts to make migration safer and better planned. He also lauded expatriates for their contributions to the economy and their role in the struggle against fascism.

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Earlier, Mr Fakhrul presented Sonar Manush awards and crests in seven categories. RMMRU Executive Director Tasneem Siddiqui outlined policy priorities and plans for the coming year, while Deputy Executive Director Motasim Billah delivered the welcome address.