Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh is making concerted efforts to broaden its manpower export markets in European nations, including the United Kingdom, where there is significant demand in sectors such as hospitality and catering.
State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Shofiqur Rahman Choudhury, has urged the UK government to relax visa restrictions for Bangladeshi workers, particularly those aspiring to work in the restaurant industry. The appeal was made during a high-profile dialogue organized by the UK’s All-party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Bangladesh, where Choudhury served as the chief guest on Thursday.
The dialogue was also attended by notable figures including Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK, Saida Muna Tasneem, APPG vice-chair Lord Karan Bilimoria, and Bob Blackman MP, with APPG on Bangladesh Chair Rushanara Ali MP presiding.
In his speech, Minister Choudhury highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of Bangladeshis globally, and underscored the deepening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the UK, a relationship that has flourished over the last 15 years under the current government’s foreign policy.
He noted the potential for further expansion in diverse areas of these long-standing relations. Addressing specific challenges, Choudhury pointed out the acute shortage of skilled staff in UK-based Bangladeshi restaurants, exacerbated by the UK’s increased minimum salary requirements which many restaurant owners find prohibitive. He advocated for Bangladesh as a capable provider of skilled labor, including construction and farm workers, who could fill seasonal roles in the UK.
The State Minister expressed hope that collaborative efforts with the UK government could lead to increased employment opportunities for Bangladeshi skilled labor, including in the medical and restaurant sectors.
High Commissioner Tasneem added that the Bangladesh High Commission in London is actively working to facilitate job opportunities for skilled Bangladeshi workers in the UK, noting recent successes in placing caregivers and initiating the recruitment of seasonal farm workers.
Rushanara Ali commended the State Minister for his efforts in strengthening the ties between the British-Bangladeshi community and Bangladesh during her welcome speech at the event.
The dialogue was well-attended by high-ranking UK parliamentary officials and prominent members of the British-Bangladeshi community, further underscoring the event’s significance. Prior to this, Minister Choudhury participated in a function organized by the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce.
