Steps to be taken to send household workers: minister

Expatriates' Welfare Minister Imran Ahmad yesterday said the government has reached a consensus with Malaysia over reopening its labour market for Bangladeshi workers soon.

"We have agreed to a point that we have to open the market very soon," he told reporters at his ministry office.

He made the comments after a meeting with visiting Malaysian Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran.

Imran Ahmad said besides sending workers for various job categories, the government will take additional measures for sending household workers to the Southeast Asian country.

Talking to the media, Kulasegaran said his country is in need of foreign workers. "We want workers from Bangladesh," said Kulasegaran.

Malaysia suspended hiring of Bangladeshi migrant workers in September 2018 over allegations of malpractices in labour recruitment and high recruitment cost.

Earlier in the day, Kulasegaran met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Momen expressed optimism that Malaysia would reopen its labour market soon as discussions are going on between the two countries, reports UNB.

"I'm hopeful," Momen said. "I told him [the Malaysian minister], you'll be a hero here if you declare opening of the market… you'll also win if you take part in elections," Momen said.

"I found him positive," the foreign minister said, adding that they also discussed bilateral trade and investment issues.

Momen said reopening the labour market will benefit both the countries.

The foreign minister also invited Malaysian investors to invest in Bangladesh as it offers investment friendly environment and other facilities. "It'll be a win-win [situation] for both," he said.

Momen also discussed the Rohingya issue with the Malaysian minister and noted Malaysia's support since the very beginning of the crisis. "They've supported Bangladesh in all the international forums and will continue to do so," added the minister.