Photo : MoFA

DHAKA, Aug 11, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh and Singapore today discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in skilled manpower development, vocational and technical training and youth development, alongside ensuring a more transparent and affordable recruitment process for migrant workers.

The issues were discussed at a meeting between State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Singapore's Minister of State for Manpower and Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Dinesh Vasu Dash held in Singapore city, according to a foreign ministry press release here. 

Highlighting the strong and longstanding relations between the two countries, Shama said Bangladesh was placing particular emphasis on developing skilled manpower, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman giving special attention to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

She said Singapore, as a pioneer in skills development and capacity building, could support Bangladesh in this area and proposed greater cooperation between relevant agencies of the two countries.

Dash agreed that the two countries shared common interests in promoting skilled manpower and suggested closer contacts between relevant government agencies to advance cooperation.

He also appreciated the contribution of Bangladeshi migrant workers to Singapore, describing them as generally disciplined and responsible.

Shama said Bangladesh was also focusing on improving language proficiency among expatriate workers and encouraging them to learn a third language.

Noting the potential of Bangladeshi women in the care and nursing sectors, she proposed that Singapore consider providing relevant training to Bangladeshi nurses who could work there as caregivers for elderly people.

She also proposed cooperation among major public hospitals of the two countries, including Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Singapore General Hospital and National University Hospital, in areas of mutual interest.

The two sides discussed migrant worker recruitment, with Dash expressing concern over the costs and fees involved in the process.

Shama said the government was determined to reduce recruitment costs and regulate and streamline recruiting agencies.

She proposed exploring a joint mechanism to monitor recruitment practices, including the activities of intermediaries and travel agencies, to make the process more transparent, accountable and affordable.

Dash briefed the State Minister on Singapore's initiatives to improve migrant workers' accommodation, including upgrading dormitories and enforcing stricter housing standards.

Shama appreciated the measures and thanked Singapore for its prompt action in arranging re-employment and compensation for around 200 Bangladeshi workers who recently lost their jobs following the bankruptcy of three companies there.

Dash encouraged migrant workers to report cases of unpaid wages to Singapore's Ministry of Manpower so that appropriate action could be taken and necessary assistance and compensation provided.

He also praised Bangladeshi workers' participation in community programmes and celebrations, saying their involvement contributes to racial and social harmony in Singapore.

The two sides also explored opportunities for greater cooperation in youth development, culture and skills building.

Shama invited Dash to visit Bangladesh and suggested that a team from relevant Singaporean agencies could visit the country to identify potential areas of cooperation.

She also proposed establishing a youth centre either in Dhaka or Singapore to facilitate exchanges of innovative ideas and promote cooperation among young people.

The State Minister sought Singapore's support for Bangladesh's aspiration to become a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN and highlighted Dhaka's growing emphasis on soft diplomacy, particularly cultural and sports diplomacy.

She also highlighted Bangladesh's focus on joint ventures, investment and entrepreneurship, saying the government was working to create a more investment-friendly and hassle-free business environment through measures including one-stop services.

The meeting also covered cultural and economic diplomacy and greater people-to-people engagement.

Both sides expressed readiness to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in skilled manpower, vocational training, migrant worker welfare, youth development, investment, culture and people-to-people connectivity.