In a significant move towards safeguarding the welfare of migrant workers, Bangladesh's Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, has emphasized the need for a transparent and ethical recruitment process during a meeting with a Thai delegation. The discussions centered on enhancing the protection of Bangladeshi workers in Thailand, addressing labor shortages, and preventing illegal activities such as visa overstays and human trafficking.
Call for Ethical Recruitment Practices
Ariful Haque Chowdhury outlined the need for a system where employers cover initial recruitment costs, employment contracts are standardized and provided in the local language, and workers are guaranteed fair wages, housing, and medical insurance. He highlighted the importance of these measures to protect workers' rights and ensure their well-being while working abroad.
Thailand's Interest in Addressing Labor Shortages
Thailand expressed interest in signing an agreement with Bangladesh to tackle labor shortages. Chairman of Thailand's Senate Standing Committee on Labour, Nitirutthi Suthinon, stressed the importance of resolving issues such as visa overstays and human trafficking. Ariful Haque assured that these concerns would be addressed promptly, with the potential signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
Commitment to Joint Efforts
State Minister Md Nurul Haque urged the Thai delegation to recruit skilled workers through Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL). Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, Md Mokhtar Ahmed, emphasized the need for a transparent recruitment process, low-cost deployment of workers, and protection of their rights.
The meeting included high-ranking officials from both countries, including Vice Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Labour Chinachot Sensyank and member of the Working Committee on Labour Dr Pirasith Kunlartaripon from Thailand, and Additional Secretary Ahmadul Haque, Joint Secretary Debjit Singha, and other senior officials from Bangladesh.






























