Bangladesh Seeks More Manpower Recruitment by Singapore

Shipping and Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr M Shakhawat Hossain. File photo

Shipping and Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr M Shakhawat Hossain has urged Singapore to recruit more experienced Bangladeshi manpower, particularly in the shipping sector.

He made the request during a bilateral meeting with Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations, Grace Fu, at her ministry office in Singapore on Wednesday, according to a release from the Ministry of Shipping.

Dr Shakhawat highlighted the increasing number of skilled mariners graduating each year from both public and private marine academies in Bangladesh, noting that these professionals could make significant contributions to Singapore’s shipping sector. Their recruitment, he added, would also enhance Bangladesh’s foreign currency earnings.

Emphasising Bangladesh’s global reputation in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector, he pointed out the high international demand for Bangladeshi apparel and jute products and encouraged Singapore to import these goods.

Calling Bangladesh a "genuine friend," Minister Grace Fu reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh to address the trade imbalance and strengthen bilateral trade. She also pledged Singapore’s support in developing Bangladesh’s human resources.

Dr Shakhawat invited Singapore to invest in Bangladesh’s key sectors, including shipping, RMG, pharmaceuticals, leather, ceramics, and jute products. He specifically urged Singapore to invest in establishing an international-standard dockyard or shipyard at the under-construction Matarbari deep sea port.

Additionally, he requested that Singapore simplify the process for issuing transit and work visas for Bangladeshi sailors and extend cooperation in training port management personnel.

Senior officials from both countries were present at the meeting.