Bangladesh and Russia are working extensively to expand cooperation in the manpower sector. As part of that, Dhaka has proposed raising the number of Bangladeshi workers in Russia — currently about 10,000 — to 100,000 within the next year. The foreign ministry said in a press release on Tuesday morning that Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman made the proposal during his ongoing three-day official visit to Russia.
The release said the Russian authorities agreed to act on the proposal quickly, with both sides expected to complete the necessary formalities soon. The tenfold expansion of manpower export from Bangladesh to Russia emerged as one of the most important achievements of the talks. Alongside manpower, the two sides discussed bilateral trade, agreeing that current trade volumes are far below potential and should grow significantly. Dr Khalilur Rahman highlighted the scope for expanding the market in Russia for Bangladeshi exports, particularly ready-made garments and pharmaceuticals. The Russian side welcomed a proposal to send a Bangladeshi business delegation to Russia within the next few weeks to explore new trade opportunities and strengthen commercial ties.
Technology — particularly artificial intelligence (AI) — also featured prominently. The foreign minister proposed that a Russian delegation visit Bangladesh to exchange experience on the use of AI in agriculture and healthcare, to which Russia responded positively at once. Moscow also expressed interest in assisting with the formulation of Bangladesh’s national AI policy and the establishment of a “centre of excellence” in the sector. Dr Khalilur Rahman has been in Russia since 7 June, accompanied by the prime minister’s foreign-affairs adviser Humayun Kabir.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report