Bangladesh for strengthening int’l labour cooperation for youth: Asif Nazrul

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Wednesday reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening international labour cooperation to enhance employment opportunities for the youth.

“Our goal is to ensure that Bangladesh’s youth is not just job seekers but valuable contributors to both domestic and international economies,” he said while speaking at the Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according to a foreign ministry press release issued here.

Asif Nazrul highlighted Bangladesh’s Skills for Employment Investment Program (SEIP), which has successfully trained over 200,000 youths in key industries such as IT, healthcare, and manufacturing.

He noted that 70% of graduates secured jobs within six months, demonstrating the effectiveness of industry-driven training and public-private partnerships.

The adviser emphasized the importance of digital job-matching platforms, AI-driven employment solutions, and Bangladesh’s position as the world’s second-largest supplier of online freelancers, generating over $500 million annually.

Reaffirming Bangladesh’s dedication to sustainable employment, bridging the gap between education and industry, and ensuring the well-being of its overseas workforce, he expressed optimism about deepening cooperation with international partners.

Policymakers, industry leaders, scholars, innovators, and labour sector experts from over 100 countries convened in Saudi Arabia today for the second edition of the Global Labour Market Conference (GLMC).

The event serves as a pivotal platform for addressing key challenges and shaping the future of the global labour market.

On the sidelines of the conference, Asif Nazrul held a bilateral meeting with Qatari Labour Minister Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri.

During the meeting, Asif Nazrul expressed gratitude for Qatar’s continued support of Bangladeshi workers.

The adviser requested comprehensive insurance covering natural death and financial assistance for Bangladeshi workers in legal disputes, as well as increased recruitment of skilled professionals in healthcare, technology, and renewable energy to support Qatar’s Vision 2030.

He also advocated for lowering migration costs and ensuring a transparent recruitment process.

Additionally, the adviser urged Qatar to establish skill-specific training centers in Bangladesh to modernize the country’s labour ecosystem.

He proposed organizing the 7th Joint Committee Meeting between Bangladesh and Qatar in Doha in early 2025 to strengthen cooperation between the two nations under the 1988 bilateral labour agreement.

The Qatari Labour Minister praised the contributions of Bangladeshi workers and assured that his ministry would review the Dhaka’s proposals positively.