Dhaka seeks tenfold rise in Russia jobs
Bangladesh has proposed increasing the number of its workers employed in Russia from around 10,000 to 100,000 within the next year, in a move that could significantly expand labour migration opportunities and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
The proposal was raised by Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman during his ongoing three-day official visit to Moscow, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
Russian authorities responded positively to the initiative and agreed to expedite the necessary procedures, with both sides expressing optimism that the required formalities would be completed in the near future.
If implemented, the plan would represent one of Bangladesh’s most ambitious labour market expansion efforts with a single destination country and reflects Dhaka’s broader strategy of diversifying overseas employment opportunities beyond its traditional markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Labour cooperation emerged as a key outcome of the bilateral discussions, which also focused on trade, investment and technology collaboration.
The two sides acknowledged that bilateral trade remains well below its potential and agreed on the need to significantly expand commercial exchanges.
Particular emphasis was placed on increasing Bangladeshi exports, especially readymade garments and pharmaceutical products, to the Russian market. To explore new business opportunities and strengthen trade links, Russia welcomed a proposal to host a Bangladeshi business delegation in the coming weeks.
Technology cooperation, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), also featured prominently in the talks. Khalilur Rahman invited a Russian delegation to visit Bangladesh to exchange expertise on the application of AI in agriculture and healthcare, an invitation that was accepted by the Russian side.
Russia further expressed interest in supporting Bangladesh’s efforts to formulate a national AI policy and establish a dedicated Centre of Excellence for artificial intelligence.
The discussions highlighted a growing convergence of interests between the two countries in workforce mobility, trade expansion and emerging technologies, signalling a broader push to deepen economic and strategic cooperation.
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman began his visit to Moscow on 7 June and is accompanied by Humayun Kabir, Adviser on Foreign Affairs to the Prime Minister.
