Bangladesh Determined to Develop Skilled Workforce to Face Future Challenges — Dr. Asif Nazrul

Dhaka, Monday, January 26, 2026: Advisor to the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, Dr. Asif Nazrul, stated that Bangladesh is firmly committed to developing a skilled workforce to address future global challenges. He emphasized that the government has undertaken various initiatives to meet the increasing international demand for skilled labor.

Dr. Nazrul made these remarks today (January 26) while speaking at the Third Global Labor Market Conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he highlighted the ongoing qualitative transformations in Bangladesh’s labor market.

He informed the conference that under the Skill Verification Program (SVP) agreement signed with Saudi Arabia’s Takamol, Bangladesh is currently certifying approximately 60,000 workers per month across various professions. This initiative ensures that Bangladeshi workers’ skills are aligned with the actual demands of the Saudi labor market.

Dr. Asif Nazrul further noted that by ratifying ten fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, welfare, and accountability in the labor market—marking a significant milestone in South Asia. As part of this commitment, the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 has been promulgated.

He explained that the ordinance facilitates the formation of trade unions, eliminates gender-based wage discrimination, and prohibits the blacklisting of workers, thereby safeguarding workers’ rights.

The Expatriates' Welfare Advisor also expressed strong optimism that the recently signed labor recruitment agreement between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will play a crucial role in ensuring safe and transparent migration.

It is noteworthy that the Third Global Labor Market Conference in Riyadh was attended by the Director-General of the ILO along with Labor Ministers and senior officials from 35 countries worldwide.