Government focuses on cutting migration costs

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said that Bangladeshi workers face significantly higher migration costs compared to workers from other countries.

She said that due to dishonest businessmen and syndicates, expatriates are forced to spend Tk 10–14 lakh, often by selling their land, to go abroad. After assuming office, the current government is working with the goal of reducing this cost to a maximum of Tk 3 lakh.

She made these remarks at the 'Second Bangladesh Remittance Honour-2026' event in Singapore today (Monday). Following the success of 'Bangladesh Remittance Honour 2025-Singapore,' this is the second time the event has been organized. The ceremony honored expatriates who have made special contributions to the country's economy by sending remittances through legal channels.

At the event, Shama Obaed said that for the first time in history, a dedicated 'Migration Wing' has been opened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure overall services for migrants and swift resolution of their problems. Led by a Director General (DG), this wing is working as a joint working group with the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment. Additionally, maximum emphasis is being placed on technical training, vocational education, and third-language learning.

Calling upon the Bangladeshi expatriates in Singapore and the country's businessmen to invest in Bangladesh, she said, "Over the past 17–18 years, the country's economy has weathered many storms. The current government is creating a transparent, corruption-free, and investment-friendly environment with a 'One Stop Service' in the country. Those of you who have established yourselves abroad, do not just remain remittance senders—play a role as investors and entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. Expatriate investment will play a major role in creating employment for the country's vast youth population."

At the event, she made five special requests to the Bangladeshi expatriates working in Singapore:

Always send remittances through legal banking channels, avoiding hundi.

Show the utmost respect for Singapore's laws, regulations, and work culture.

Be responsible in using social media and refrain from any extremist or hateful propaganda.

Maintain mutual harmony by showing respect to people of different languages and religions.

Continuously upgrade yourselves by acquiring new technologies, technical skills, and language proficiency.

In her speech, she thanked Singapore's Ministry of Manpower for the swift rehabilitation of 125 out of 200 affected Bangladeshi workers from three recently bankrupt establishments in Singapore. She also expressed deep gratitude to all remittance warriors among the Bangladeshi expatriate community in Singapore for strengthening the country's economy by sending remittances through legal means.

The event was moderated by Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Editor of Banik Barta. Distinguished guests included Syed Abu Naser Bakhtiar Ahmed, Chairman of Agrani Bank PLC; A.S.M. Shahidullah Khan, Chairman of One Bank PLC; Dr. Melita Mehzabin, Chairman of National Bank PLC and Professor at IBA; Faisal Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Prime Bank PLC; and Basab Bagchi, Executive Director of Thakral Information Systems Private Limited.