Dhaka, Nov 10 (V7N)- Principal Advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has urged Singapore to assist in recovering billions of dollars illegally transferred out of Bangladesh and to help reduce migration costs for Bangladeshi workers. Dr. Yunus made this appeal during a meeting with Singaporean Ambassador Derek Low on Sunday, where both parties discussed wide-ranging topics, including labor migration, trade, and investment cooperation.

Dr. Yunus highlighted the need to reduce recruitment expenses for Bangladeshi expatriate workers, explaining that lower costs would allow them to send a larger portion of their earnings back to their families, thereby benefiting the national economy. Ambassador Low responded positively, offering Singapore’s support in these areas.

To address issues of human trafficking and exploitation in overseas recruitment, Ambassador Low proposed that Bangladesh consider digitizing its recruitment system. According to Low, this digital transformation would increase transparency, lower risks for workers, and streamline migration processes.

Trade and investment were also central to the discussions. Senior Director of Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, Francis Chong, confirmed progress on a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations, with a feasibility study now complete. The two countries will soon determine the parameters for formal negotiations. Low further expressed Singapore’s interest in supporting Bangladesh’s development in water purification, waste management, and food industry cooperation.

On foreign policy, Dr. Yunus underscored the interim government’s commitment to fostering positive relationships with neighboring countries. He emphasized Bangladesh’s interest in expanding regional cooperation through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and sought Singapore’s backing for Bangladesh’s inclusion as a sectoral dialogue partner in ASEAN.

"We do not differentiate between East and West. We need to build bridges everywhere," Dr. Yunus remarked, signaling the government’s commitment to broad-based international engagement.

The meeting also included Special Envoy Lutfe Siddiqui, Senior Secretary and Chief Coordinator for SDGs Lamia Murshed, and Singapore's Charge d'Affaires in Dhaka, Michael Leo.

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