Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury on Wednesday expressed optimism that Bangladesh could receive positive developments regarding the Malaysian labour market by July, saying the outcomes of the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Malaysia would begin to materialise from next month.
“We expect good news regarding the Malaysian labour market within July,” he told journalists after inspecting ongoing activities of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment at Sylhet Osmani International Airport, according to a press release.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s Malaysia tour, the minister said, "The visit was highly successful and productive, yielding positive progress in labour migration, manpower export and several other areas through high-level discussions between the two countries and the sincere cooperation of the Malaysian government and people.”
He expressed hope that Malaysia’s Human Resources Minister and Home Minister would visit Bangladesh by July, enabling people to witness tangible progress on various ongoing issues.
Speaking about services at Osmani International Airport, Ariful said, "Several initiatives had been undertaken to improve facilities for expatriate Bangladeshis.”
Efforts are underway to ensure luggage management, support services and primary healthcare facilities for elderly, sick and special-needs passengers.
He also stated, "Necessary measures were also being taken in coordination with relevant agencies to ensure that expatriates do not face harassment or inconvenience at the airport.”
Considering the large number of expatriates using the airport, the minister added, "Plans had been made to strengthen security measures, ensure safe transportation for passengers arriving on night flights and establish a children’s ‘Kids Zone' at the airport.”
“These initiatives will be implemented jointly by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment,” he further added.
Replying to a question on ensuring transparency, accountability and good governance in the management of shrines, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to preventing irregularities and lack of transparency.
He said again, "A transparent and accountable management framework would be developed through consultations with relevant stakeholders in line with public expectations.”
