The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Remittances from Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia have marked a record rise in recent times, a spokesman for the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment said on Friday.

"In the year 2006-2007, it was US$ 11.8 million. During 2007- 2008, it rose to US$ 92.44 million which is nearly a nine fold increase," the spokesman stated.

In addition, during the past year, 370,000 Bangladeshis have found employment in Malaysia.

"It has been learnt that a further 100,000 may also be able to go within this year, according to information received informally," the spokesman added.

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, who is also In-charge of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, said, "This is a very good news on both countries."

"During a recent transit stop-over in Kuala Lumpur, I have instructed the High Commissioner that apart from such increases in numbers and remittance amounts, workers' welfare must be accorded the highest possible priority," he said.

A senior Malaysian official, Suhakam Commissioner Datuk N. Siva Subramanium, recently said all embassies, including the Indian mission, should follow the example of the Bangladesh High Commissioner in welfare activities, particularly "in setting up a camp to help their citizens who are looking for employment and facing problems in the country."