Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam emphasized Bangladesh’s commitment to developing skilled manpower during a meeting with Dinesh Vasu Dash, Singapore’s Minister of State for Manpower and Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth. This meeting focused on fostering cooperation in skills development, migrant worker welfare, and investment opportunities between the two countries.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Shama Obaed highlighted the significant attention Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is giving to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Bangladesh. She proposed enhanced collaboration between the relevant agencies of Bangladesh and Singapore, noting Singapore’s pioneering role in skills development and capacity building.

During the discussions, the state minister reiterated the strong and longstanding relations between Bangladesh and Singapore, emphasizing the commitment of the Bangladeshi government to fairness, good governance, and creating better opportunities for its citizens. She also highlighted the positive contribution of the Bangladeshi community in Singapore.

Dinesh Vasu Dash acknowledged the common interests shared by both nations in promoting skilled manpower and suggested closer contact and collaboration between the government agencies of the two countries. He appreciated the contributions of Bangladeshi migrant workers to Singapore, noting their discipline and responsibility.

Shama Obaed shared Bangladesh’s focus on enhancing language proficiency for expatriates and encouraged the learning of a third language. She proposed training opportunities in Singapore for Bangladeshi nurses, particularly in the care and nursing sectors, and suggested cooperation between major public hospitals in Bangladesh and Singapore.

The meeting also addressed the recruitment of migrant workers, with Dinesh Vasu raising concerns over recruitment costs and fees. In response, Shama Obaed highlighted Bangladesh’s efforts to reduce recruitment costs and improve the transparency and accountability of recruiting agencies.

Dinesh Vasu briefed on Singapore’s initiatives to improve migrant workers’ accommodation, detailing major upgrades in dormitories and stricter housing standards. He also encouraged migrant workers to report cases of unpaid wages to Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower for necessary action and compensation.

Both ministers discussed potential areas of cooperation in youth engagement, cultural and sports diplomacy, and investment opportunities. Shama Obaed expressed Bangladesh’s aspiration to become a Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and sought Singapore’s support.

The discussions concluded with both sides expressing their readiness to strengthen bilateral cooperation in skilled manpower, vocational training, migrant worker welfare, youth development, investment, culture, and people-to-people connectivity.