Bangladesh, Malaysia set to revive labour deal for 1.2m jobs

Bangladesh and Malaysia are set to renew a key labour agreement, paving the way for the recruitment of up to 1.2 million Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia.

A Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting between the two countries is scheduled for the second week of May in Putrajaya, where the Bangladeshi delegation will be led by the Adviser to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.

General members of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) have welcomed this diplomatic progress, expressing gratitude to officials involved. They criticised a section of BAIRA leadership for making repeated negative remarks in the media, which they believe have tarnished the country’s image and disrupted labour diplomacy.

They further alleged that such remarks are aligned with the agenda of the previous regime, aimed at stalling labour exports and slowing remittance flow. The members demanded immediate reopening of the Malaysian labour market, saying they are ready to comply with any conditions set by the host country.

Despite being among the top choices for Malaysian employers, Bangladesh has fallen behind 13 other countries in sending workers, largely due to domestic controversies and public disputes.

Calls have grown to stop unnecessary criticism and media campaigns that undermine national interests. Many are urging action against those accused of sabotaging the country's manpower export prospects.

Bangladesh and Malaysia enjoy a longstanding friendship. Malaysia recognised Bangladesh in 1972, and over the years, both nations have deepened ties through high-level visits and cooperation. Most recently, Malaysia’s prime minister visited Dhaka in October last year, reinforcing bilateral commitment.

With Malaysia poised to benefit from shifting global trade trends and rising foreign investments, especially from China, the demand for foreign workers is growing rapidly. Bangladesh is well-positioned to meet this need by supplying skilled and semi-skilled labour.

Both countries are looking to expand mutual cooperation as they strive towards their development goals—Malaysia’s vision of becoming a developed nation and Bangladesh’s journey towards upper middle-income status.