Malaysia reopens labour market for Bangladeshi workers this August.
Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman today said the Malaysian labour market will reopen for Bangladeshi workers in the last week of August following a bilateral understanding between the two countries.
Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat, he said the reopening would create fresh employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia.
"The opportunity for employment has been created for all Bangladeshi workers following a consensus reached between Bangladesh and Malaysia at a bilateral meeting," he said.
Dr Zahed said the government is committed to ensuring that workers are sent to Malaysia through a transparent and accountable process by addressing the irregularities, excessive costs and harassment that occurred in the past.
He noted that Prime Minister's Adviser and PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin had already announced the reopening of the Malaysian labour market in the last week of August.
"We want to inform everyone once again that an opportunity has been created for Bangladeshi workers to work in Malaysia based on the consensus reached between the two countries. This is very important news for us," he said.
Referring to overseas employment, Dr Zahed said many aspiring migrant workers had previously suffered due to irregularities, high migration costs and the involvement of a limited number of recruiting agencies.
"The government wants to eliminate those problems so that workers can migrate safely and no longer face the hardships experienced in the past," he added.
Describing overseas employment as a key contributor to the national economy, the adviser said the government is working to explore new labour markets alongside ensuring safe, orderly and transparent migration.
On food security, Dr Zahed said the government has undertaken a number of programmes to ensure an uninterrupted food supply and support low-income families.
Under the Food Friendly Programme, rice distribution began on August 1, through which 55 lakh beneficiary families in 495 upazilas will receive 30 kilograms of rice per month at a subsidised price of Tk 15 per kilogram.
The programme will continue for six months-August, September, October, November, March and April-to support rural people during the seasonal lean period when employment opportunities decline.
He said fortified rice enriched with essential vitamins and minerals is also being distributed under the programme, with more than 25 lakh beneficiaries receiving the nutrient-rich variety to help improve nutrition among low-income families.
Dr Zahed said the government is also continuing its Open Market Sale (OMS) programme through 1,108 centres across the country, where rice and flour are being sold at subsidised prices through designated outlets and mobile trucks.
He added that the country's public food stock remains at a satisfactory level, with more than 23.49 lakh tonnes of food grains stored in government warehouses.
Dr Zahed said the government is fully aware of the ongoing gas crisis and will soon provide a detailed explanation of its causes and the expected duration.
He urged the media to help inform the public about the actual reasons behind the supply disruption.
Responding to allegations of excessive gas bills, the adviser said consumers who believe they have been overcharged should submit written complaints to the appropriate authorities. "Action has been taken in the past based on such complaints," he added.
Referring to his discussion with the Energy Adviser before the briefing, Dr Zahed said the authorities are treating the allegations with utmost importance and will take necessary action if any irregularities are found.
"Complaints should be supported by specific facts and submitted to the relevant authority. The Energy Ministry is closely monitoring the matter, and we hope appropriate action will be taken after proper investigation," he said.
On strengthening energy security, Dr Zahed said the Jamuna Bridge Authority is implementing a solar power project in the Jamuna Bridge area as part of the government's broader plan to expand renewable energy use and reduce future dependence on conventional energy sources.
Highlighting developments in the railway sector, he said the government is implementing long-term plans to expand the country's transport infrastructure. As part of those initiatives, work has begun on a proposed railway line connecting Dhaka and Sylhet via Jaflong.
Once implemented, the project is expected to improve connectivity in the country's northeastern region and boost tourism, trade and regional economic activities, he added.
Speaking about the recent spike in green chilli prices, Dr Zahed attributed the increase to disruptions in production caused by heavy rainfall during the monsoon.
He said prices of vegetables have also risen, prompting the government to approve the import of green chilli and tomatoes to stabilise the market.
He expressed hope that vegetable supplies, including green chilli, would improve shortly, leading to a gradual decline in prices.
Referring to initiatives of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, the adviser said the government has undertaken various measures to promote the use of environmentally friendly jute products.
He said initiatives have been taken to increase the production and use of jute bags as an alternative to plastic.
The government has also decided to revive closed textile mills under the Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation (BTMC) through public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements.
"If these factories are operated under skilled management, production will increase, the mills will become profitable and new employment opportunities will be created," he said.
On local government, Dr Zahed said Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) secured the top position among all city corporations and municipalities in a performance assessment conducted under a city governance project supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
He said such evaluations would encourage local government institutions to become more people-oriented and service-focused.
Regarding labour welfare, the adviser said draft recommendations for revising wages of workers employed in private industrial establishments have been sent for gazette publication.
He said there had previously been no specific framework for determining wages for this category of workers, and the government's initiative aims to ensure fair remuneration.
On mineral resources, Dr Zahed said the Ministry of Science and Technology is conducting research and collecting information to identify potential reserves of heavy metals and other valuable minerals across the country.
Highlighting youth development initiatives, he said the government is implementing various programmes to encourage young people to participate in sports.
"There is no alternative to sports in keeping children and young people away from drugs, violence and crime," he said.
On environmental protection, the adviser said the government has intensified enforcement against violations of environmental laws.
He said authorities have filed 81 cases and imposed fines exceeding Tk 4.92 lakh for breaches of environmental regulations.
The government is also continuing efforts to protect forests, rescue wildlife and prevent activities harmful to the environment, he added.
Speaking about law and order, Dr Zahed said law enforcement agencies, including the Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Coast Guard, are carrying out their regular duties.
