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SANGSAD BHABAN, April 20, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Hoque today said in Jatiya Sangsad that the government has a plan to create one crore overseas employment opportunities over the next five years, in line with its action plan and election manifesto.

He said the initiative includes a 180-day roadmap, a six-month short-term plan, and a phased implementation target to be achieved within five years.

The state minister made the remarks while responding, on behalf of Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ariful Haque Chowdhury, to a supplementary question from opposition lawmaker Md. Majedur Rahman of Gaibandha-1 in the House today.

He noted that the government assumed office amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which have affected Bangladesh’s labor markets, particularly in the Middle East—one of the country’s major destinations for migrant workers—now facing contraction.

He added that Malaysia, another key labor market for Bangladesh, had remained closed for a long time. “However, following recent visits by the minister and the Prime Minister’s adviser, productive discussions were held with the Malaysian government, and the market is expected to reopen soon,” he said.

The state minister also highlighted potential opportunities in Thailand and Cambodia, stating that the government has taken several significant initiatives since assuming office. 

He expressed hope that the outcomes of these measures would become visible within the next six months.