SANGSAD BHABAN, June 28, 2026 (BSS) - Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas 
Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury today said the government is 
working to develop a skilled workforce and expand new overseas labour markets 
to further strengthen Bangladesh's position in the global employment sector.

Taking part in the discussion on the proposed national budget for FY2026-27 
in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS), he said Bangladeshi expatriates working in more 
than 170 countries are one of the main driving forces of the country's 
economy through their hard work, sacrifice and remittance earnings.

"The government's goal is not merely to send workers abroad but to create 
skilled human resources capable of competing in the international labour 
market," he said.

With Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir-Bikram, in the chair, the minister said 
skilled workers enjoy greater demand, higher wages and better recognition 
abroad. 

Following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's directives, the government has 
attached special importance to technical education, language training and 
modern skill development programmes to meet the changing demands of the 
global labour market.

He said the government is also focusing on creating employment opportunities 
for returning migrants by utilising their professional experience, skills and 
expertise in the country's development.

Ariful said the proposed budget has allocated about Taka 880 crore for the 
Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment. The allocation is 
expected to play a vital role in exploring new overseas labour markets, 
improving workers' skills, ensuring safe migration and enhancing the welfare 
of expatriate Bangladeshis.

He said the government is working relentlessly to expand international labour 
markets while strengthening safe and regular migration through improved 
training and protection for outbound workers.

Highlighting the contribution of workers to national development, the 
minister said labourers play an indispensable role in the country's 
industrial, agricultural and infrastructure sectors.

"Ensuring safe working conditions, fair wages and social security for workers 
is the government's responsibility," he said, adding that around Taka 466 
crore has been allocated to the Ministry of Labour and Employment in the 
proposed budget for FY2026-27.

He expressed hope that the allocation would help implement more effective 
measures to improve workplace safety, enhance workers' skills and create 
better working environments, thereby improving the quality of life of 
labourers.

The minister also highlighted the development potential of the Sylhet region, 
saying it is not only an administrative division but also an important pillar 
of the national economy because of its natural gas resources, tea industry, 
tourism sector and contribution to remittance earnings.

He said remittances sent by Sylhet expatriates living across the world make a 
significant contribution to strengthening Bangladesh's economy.
However, he stressed the need for greater investment in Sylhet, particularly 
in the tourism sector, to unlock the region's full economic potential.

Ariful said tourist destinations such as Jaflong, Bichanakandi, Ratargul, 
Lalakhal, Hakaluki Haor and Tanguar Haor are valuable natural assets not only 
for Sylhet but also for the entire country.
 
"Planned development of these attractions would increase domestic and foreign 
tourist arrivals, generate new employment opportunities and further stimulate 
the local economy," he said.

The minister also said building a skilled workforce, ensuring the welfare of 
expatriates and improving the living standards of workers would further 
strengthen the foundation of the country's sustainable economic growth.