Bangladesh and Singapore have agreed to explore greater cooperation in skilled manpower development, vocational and technical training, migrant worker welfare, youth development, investment, culture and people-to-people connectivity.
The understanding emerged during a meeting between Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, MP, and Singapore’s Minister of State for Manpower and Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, Dinesh Vasu Dash, held at 11:30am today.
During the meeting, Shama Obaed highlighted the longstanding and close relations between Bangladesh and Singapore. She said the Government of Bangladesh is committed to ensuring fairness, good governance and better opportunities for its people.
She also underscored the important contribution of the Bangladeshi community in Singapore and said Bangladesh is placing strong emphasis on developing a skilled workforce.
The State Minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is giving particular importance to vocational and technical education and training (TVET). She noted that Singapore, with its strong experience in skills development and capacity building, could play an important role in supporting Bangladesh’s efforts in this sector.
She proposed closer cooperation between relevant government agencies of the two countries to expand skills development and training opportunities.
Dinesh Vasu Dash agreed that Bangladesh and Singapore share common interests in developing skilled manpower. He suggested that the relevant agencies of both governments establish closer contact and work together on possible areas of cooperation.
He also praised the contribution of Bangladeshi migrant workers in Singapore, describing them as generally disciplined and responsible.
In response, Shama Obaed said Bangladesh is also focusing on language proficiency among its expatriate workforce and encouraging workers to learn a third language to improve their employability.
She noted that women account for around half of Bangladesh’s population and have significant potential to work in the care and nursing sectors. She proposed that Singapore consider providing relevant training to Bangladeshi nurses who could subsequently work in Singapore’s elderly-care sector.
The State Minister 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 Bangladeshi migrant workers. Dinesh Vasu Dash raised concerns over the costs and fees associated with the recruitment process.
Shama Obaed said the Government of Bangladesh is determined to reduce recruitment costs and regulate and streamline recruiting agencies. She proposed that the two countries explore mechanisms for jointly monitoring recruitment practices, including the activities of intermediaries and travel agencies, to make the process more transparent, accountable and affordable for workers.
Dinesh Vasu Dash briefed the State Minister on Singapore’s initiatives to improve accommodation for migrant workers. He said the Singapore government has undertaken major initiatives to upgrade migrant worker dormitories and enforce stricter housing standards.
He added that Singapore continues to balance the demand for migrant workers with the availability of suitable accommodation.
Shama Obaed welcomed the initiatives and expressed gratitude to the Singapore government for its prompt action in arranging 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 facing unpaid wages to report such cases to Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower so that the authorities can take appropriate action and provide necessary assistance and compensation.
He also appreciated the positive participation of Bangladeshi workers in Singapore’s community programmes and celebrations, saying their involvement contributes to racial and social harmony in the country.
The State Minister invited Dinesh Vasu Dash to visit Bangladesh and said there are significant opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in engaging young people and developing their skills.
She also proposed that a Singaporean delegation from relevant agencies visit Bangladesh to explore potential areas of cooperation.
Dinesh Vasu Dash responded positively to the proposal. In view of his additional portfolio covering culture, community and youth, he expressed interest in exploring further cooperation in these areas.
Shama Obaed also sought Singapore’s support for Bangladesh’s aspiration to become a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.
She said Bangladesh is placing greater emphasis on soft diplomacy, particularly cultural and sports diplomacy. She noted that the government has allocated funds for the creative economy in the current fiscal year and proposed establishing a youth centre in either Dhaka or Singapore to facilitate the exchange of innovative ideas and strengthen cooperation among young people.
The State Minister further highlighted Bangladesh’s focus on joint ventures, investment and entrepreneurship. She said the government is working to create a more investment-friendly environment and provide a hassle-free business climate through measures including one-stop services.
She also stressed the importance of ensuring a secure and safe environment for investors.
In this regard, Dinesh Vasu Dash referred to the presence of Singaporean businesses in Bangladesh, including Singapore-based restaurant chain Fish & Co., which recently opened an outlet in Dhaka.
The State Minister emphasized the importance of cultural and economic diplomacy and stronger people-to-people engagement between Bangladesh and Singapore. She said Bangladesh is keen to expand cooperation in these areas and create new opportunities for citizens and businesses of both countries.
The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere. Both sides expressed their readiness to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in skilled manpower development, vocational training, migrant worker welfare, youth development, investment, culture and people-to-people connectivity.
