The New Nation - Internet Edition

ECONOMIC REPORTER

The number of Bangladeshi workers going abroad for foreign employment continued to rise as over 65,000 left the country in January this year with government clearance.

A source in the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment said the total number cleared for immigration that month was 92,000.

"In December 2007, the number was 78,000, which means there has been an increase of over 14,000," the source said.

The remittances received in January amounted to US $715 million, as compared to US $635 in December 2007.

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, who is also in charge of this Ministry, said to the media Tuesday: "These figures are most encouraging and the efforts of the government in this respect appear to be bearing fruit."

However, he likes to give priority to their welfare, and also to the matter that the workers heed the advice of the Ministry in all respects, as some problems arose in recent times.

"The missions are under instructions to pay attention to this aspect and are already reporting to Dhaka as per proforma sent to them by the Foreign Office," he said.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia will recruit more qualified academics from Bangladesh for its universities.

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, who is also in-charge of Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, said this to the media yesterday. He further stated that a group of Deans are scheduled to visit Bangladesh sometime in March to recruit professors and teachers for

King Khaled University.

"Already a number of Bangladeshi academics have joined the University, and I understand the University authorities have been pleased with their activities", the Adviser further stated.