Bangladesh-GCC Dialogue Calls for Shift from Manpower Export to Human Capital Development

Photo: CNI

Staff Correspondent: ARISE Bangladesh Foundation organised a high-level dialogue titled "Bangladesh-GCC Workforce & Economic Outlook: Human Capital Opportunities, Trade and Investment Prospects" at Hotel Sheraton, Dhaka, bringing together senior policymakers, academics, business leaders and skills development experts to discuss the future of Bangladesh-GCC cooperation.

The event focused on transforming Bangladesh's overseas employment strategy from a traditional manpower export model to a demand-driven human capital development approach. Participants stressed the importance of aligning skills training, certification and recruitment with the evolving labour market requirements of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Chief Guest Mahdi Amin, Adviser (State Minister) to the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Ministry of Labour and Employment, attended the programme alongside senior government officials and distinguished guests.

Special guests included Prof. Dr. S. M. Abdul-Awal, Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs), Prime Minister's Office; Dr. Nazneen Kawsar Chowdhury, Executive Chairman (Secretary), NSDA; Professor Dr. A. S. M. Amanullah, Vice-Chancellor of National University; and Md. Mokhtar Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment.

Delivering the keynote presentation, Kanij Fatima, Executive Director of ARISE Bangladesh Foundation, said Bangladesh should view the GCC not only as a destination for migrant workers but also as a strategic market for skilled human capital, services, trade and investment. She emphasised the need to understand labour market demand, develop relevant skills, strengthen certification systems and connect Bangladeshi professionals with global opportunities.

The dialogue proposed a roadmap of GCC Demand → Skills Forecast → Curriculum → Training → Certification → Recruitment → Deployment → Employment, highlighting the importance of destination-specific training, international certification, employer-institution partnerships, labour market intelligence and stronger public-private collaboration.

Speaking at the event, Mosud Mannan, Chairman of ARISE Bangladesh Foundation, welcomed the participants, while Barrister Ahamed Iteaz Tahmid, Vice Chairman, delivered the vote of thanks.

The organisers said the initiative aims to strengthen the Bangladesh-GCC Human Capital Partnership and position Bangladesh as a trusted source of skilled, certified and globally employable human capital.