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DHAKA: A new chapter has opened in bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan following the final signing of a new employment agreement between the two countries on October 17.
The agreement, titled the Memorandum of Cooperation on Employment Skills Development (ESDP-MOC), was finalised after nearly a year of efforts by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Japanese government.
The details were disclosed in a statement signed by Md Shariful Islam, public relations officer of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, on Sunday (October 18).
According to the statement, the agreement was signed on behalf of Bangladesh by the secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. Representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and National Police Agency signed on behalf of the Japanese government.
The agreement is being considered a major milestone in the current government’s efforts to expand overseas employment opportunities. Copies of the agreement will be formally exchanged between the two sides during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to Japan.
Under the agreement, Japan will begin recruiting workers from Bangladesh from April 1, 2027. The agreement will initially remain in force for five years and will automatically be extended for another five years upon expiry, bringing its total duration to 10 years.
The agreement is expected to provide Bangladeshi workers with significant employment opportunities and enhanced protection in Japan.
Highlighting the key benefits, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury said the agreement would ensure maximum protection for workers and strengthen cooperation between the two countries in sending and receiving workers.
He added that employment opportunities in Japan would help Bangladeshi workers develop their skills, enabling them to earn higher wages and potentially secure long-term residence in the country.
The minister further said workers under the agreement would enjoy legal protection equivalent to that afforded to Japanese workers and receive equal opportunities in the workplace, regardless of gender.
In particular, female migrant workers would be protected against dismissal or discriminatory treatment due to pregnancy or childbirth. The agreement contains no provision requiring women to be forcibly repatriated because of pregnancy or maternity, he said.
Those concerned hope that implementing the agreement will further strengthen friendly relations between Bangladesh and Japan while expanding opportunities to develop Bangladesh’s skilled workforce.
