The governments of Bangladesh and Malaysia have agreed to reopen Malaysia’s labor market for Bangladeshi workers and reduce migration costs. The decision followed a bilateral meeting held on Thursday in Putrajaya, attended by Bangladesh’s Minister for Labor and Employment Ariful Haque Chowdhury and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Both sides committed to ensuring a fair, ethical, and transparent recruitment process based on Malaysia’s sectoral labor demands.

According to a joint press statement, the two countries reaffirmed their long-standing partnership in labor migration and pledged to strengthen cooperation through a transparent and inclusive framework. The agreement includes addressing structural barriers that increase costs, using credible recruitment agencies, and expediting the placement of stranded workers. Malaysia also informed Bangladesh about its plan to introduce a technology-driven, AI-based recruitment system aimed at reducing intermediaries and ensuring that employers bear all recruitment expenses in line with International Labour Organization guidelines.

Bangladesh expressed full support for implementing such a digital platform as part of a broader global initiative involving other labor-sending countries.