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have recently contracted, including Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

He said the government is pursuing new agreements and expanding existing markets. Bangladesh currently sends workers to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Romania and Portugal and has signed labour agreements with 18 nations.

The minister also highlighted growing cooperation with Japan, where workers are being sent as technical interns under a bilateral arrangement.

The minister further told parliament that around 1.5 crore Bangladeshis are currently working in 176 countries worldwide.

Responding to a question from MP Amir Hamza, the minister said the government is committed to ensuring the dignity, rights, and welfare of all expatriate Bangladeshis.

Replying to another question from MP Shafiqur Rahman (Kiron), the minister said ongoing tensions involving Israel and Iran have disrupted the recruitment of workers to several Middle Eastern labour markets, including the United Arab Emirates.

The minister said the government’s election manifesto includes multiple initiatives focused on migrant welfare and employment.

He added that the ministry is working to implement these plans, and a 180-day action plan has already been formulated.

According to the minister, a total of 1,132,519 Bangladeshi workers went abroad for employment in 2025.

Of them, 62,352 were women.