Bangladesh, Singapore discuss labour cooperation

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam held a meeting with Dinesh Vasu Dash, minister of state for manpower and minister of state for culture, community and youth of Singapore, on Tuesday at 11:30am.

During the meeting, the state minister highlighted the strong and long-standing relations between Bangladesh and Singapore, said a press release.

She said that the Bangladesh government is committed to fairness, good governance and creating better opportunities for its people. She also highlighted the important role of the large Bangladeshi community in Singapore.

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The state minister said that Bangladesh was placing strong emphasis on developing skilled manpower. She informed that the prime minister is giving special attention to vocational and technical training (TVET).

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

Dinesh Vasu Dash agreed that both countries shared common interests in promoting skilled manpower. He suggested that the relevant government agencies of Bangladesh and Singapore could establish closer contact and work together.

He also appreciated the contribution of Bangladeshi migrant workers in Singapore and mentioned that they were generally disciplined and responsible.

In response, the state minister said that Bangladesh is also focusing on language proficiency for Bangladeshi expatriates and encouraging them to learn a third language. She informed that women constitute around half of Bangladesh’s population and have significant potential to work in the care and nursing sectors.

She proposed that Singapore could consider providing relevant training for Bangladeshi nurses who could come to Singapore as caregivers for elderly people.

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

The two sides also discussed the recruitment of migrant workers. Dinesh Vasu Dash expressed concern about the costs and fees involved in the recruitment process.

The state minister said the government is determined to reduce recruitment costs and regulate and streamline recruiting agencies. She proposed that Bangladesh and Singapore could explore ways to jointly monitor recruitment practices, including the role of intermediaries and travel agencies, to make the recruitment process more transparent, accountable and affordable.

Dinesh Vasu Dash briefed the state minister on Singapore’s initiatives to improve migrant workers’ accommodation. He said the Singapore government has introduced major initiatives to upgrade migrant worker dormitories and enforce stricter housing standards.

He added that the government continues to balance the demand for migrant workers with the availability of suitable accommodation.

The state minister appreciated these initiatives. She also expressed gratitude to the Singapore government for its prompt action to arrange re-employment and compensation for around 200 Bangladeshi workers who recently lost their jobs following the bankruptcy of three companies in Singapore.

Dinesh Vasu Dash encouraged migrant workers to report cases of unpaid wages to the Ministry of Manpower so that the authorities can take appropriate action and provide the necessary assistance and compensation.

He also appreciated the positive role of Bangladeshi workers in Singapore’s community programmes and celebrations. He informed that their participation contributes to racial and social harmony in Singapore.

The state minister invited Dinesh to visit Bangladesh. She said that there are many opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in engaging young people and building their skills. She also suggested that a Singaporean team from the relevant agencies could visit Bangladesh to explore possible areas of cooperation.

Nodding positively to this proposal, Dinesh, in view of his additional portfolio as minister of state for culture, community and youth, expressed interest in exploring opportunities for further cooperation in these areas.

The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere. Both sides expressed their readiness to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of skilled manpower, vocational training, migrant worker welfare, youth development, investment, culture and people-to-people connectivity.