Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman spoke at a press conference at the Secretariat. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Aug 4, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman today said the Malaysian labour market will reopen for Bangladeshi workers in the last week of August following a bilateral understanding between the two countries.

Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat, he said the reopening would create fresh employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia.

"The opportunity for employment has been created for all Bangladeshi workers following a consensus reached between Bangladesh and Malaysia at a bilateral meeting," he said.

Dr Zahed said the government is committed to ensuring that workers are sent to Malaysia through a transparent and accountable process by addressing the irregularities, excessive costs and harassment that occurred in the past.

He noted that Prime Minister's Adviser and PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin had already announced the reopening of the Malaysian labour market in the last week of August.

"We want to inform everyone once again that an opportunity has been created for Bangladeshi workers to work in Malaysia based on the consensus reached between the two countries. This is very important news for us," he said.

Referring to overseas employment, Dr Zahed said many aspiring migrant workers had previously suffered due to irregularities, high migration costs and the involvement of a limited number of recruiting agencies.

"The government wants to eliminate those problems so that workers can migrate safely and no longer face the hardships experienced in the past," he added.

Describing overseas employment as a key contributor to the national economy, the adviser said the government is working to explore new labour markets alongside ensuring safe, orderly and transparent migration.

On food security, Dr Zahed said the government has undertaken a number of programmes to ensure an uninterrupted food supply and support low-income families.

Under the Food Friendly Programme, rice distribution began on August 1, through which 55 lakh beneficiary families in 495 upazilas will receive 30 kilograms of rice per month at a subsidised price of Tk 15 per kilogram.

The programme will continue for six months-August, September, October, November, March and April-to support rural people during the seasonal lean period when employment opportunities decline.

He said fortified rice enriched with essential vitamins and minerals is also being distributed under the programme, with more than 25 lakh beneficiaries receiving the nutrient-rich variety to help improve nutrition among low-income families.

Dr Zahed said the government is also continuing its Open Market Sale (OMS) programme through 1,108 centres across the country, where rice and flour are being sold at subsidised prices through designated outlets and mobile trucks.

He added that the country's public food stock remains at a satisfactory level, with more than 23.49 lakh tonnes of food grains stored in government warehouses.

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