The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Foreign Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury Thursday said if the present trend continues, employment of Bangladeshi workers abroad will exceed 900,000 this year.

"This will be an all-time record, even surpassing the previous year's record of 832,000," he said.

Iftekhar, also in charge of the Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment, informed that already 590,000 applications have been cleared so far this year for getting jobs abroad.

"But this should give us no reason for complacency," he said, adding: "Our goal is to improve skills of potential migrant workers and promote the welfare of those who are already abroad."

The Advisor expressed his satisfaction over a visit to the Chittagong Technical Training Centre on Wednesday. "I was happy to see we are providing training in marine technology there in collaboration with the private sector. This comes at a time when we are also exporting marine vessels. I believe, this will add great value to the quality of our workers," he said.

As to the figures, Iftekhar said there would be ups and downs in monthly statistics of numbers going "but the bigger picture is, I repeat, improving quality and promoting welfare, one through appropriate training and the other through continuous diplomatic efforts."

He urged the recruiting agencies to procure better and more decent offers of jobs from abroad, and not to exploit the poor aspiring migrants.

The Adviser instructed the Ministry and Bangladesh missions abroad to continually search for newer markets.

He expressed satisfaction over the latest demand of 200 skilled workers from the United States.

On Kuwait, Iftekhar said he has urged the Kuwaiti ministers to help resolve any outstanding issues. A new Ambassador to Kuwait has been nominated, he added.