Bangladesh signs Japan worker agreement with recruitment set for April 2027

Bangladesh and Japan signed an employment skills development agreement Oct. 17, with recruitment of Bangladeshi workers scheduled to begin April 1, 2027, The Business Standard reported, citing a government press release.

The agreement will initially remain in force for five years and automatically renew for another five years. Copies are scheduled to be exchanged during prime minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to Japan.

Under its provisions, Bangladeshi workers will receive legal protection equivalent to that afforded to Japanese workers, with equal opportunities regardless of gender.

Safeguards prohibit dismissal or discriminatory treatment because of pregnancy or childbirth. The agreement does not require women to return to Bangladesh for either reason.

Expatriates’ welfare minister Ariful Haque Choudhury said the arrangement would strengthen cooperation on sending and receiving workers. Recruitment remains a future step, rather than completed worker departures.