Bangladesh State Minister Shama Obaed Islam Advocates for Increased Skilled Labor Exports to Maldives

State Minister Shama Obaed Islam meets Maldives High Commissioner to discuss labor mobility, direct flights, and healthcare recruitment between Dhaka and Malé.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 11:28 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Expanding Labor Cooperation and Economic Mobility

In a strategic move to bolster Bangladesh’s overseas employment sector, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has urged the Maldives to prioritize the recruitment of more skilled and semi-skilled workers from Dhaka. The appeal was made during a diplomatic session with Maldivian High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The State Minister highlighted that increasing labor mobility is a critical component of strengthening the socio-economic bond between the two South Asian nations. The Maldives has long been a destination for Bangladeshi labor, and this latest push seeks to move beyond traditional sectors into more specialized roles that match the growing needs of the Maldivian economy.

Connectivity Milestones: Resumption of Malé-Dhaka Flights

A significant pillar of the discussion focused on the recent restoration of direct air travel between the two capitals. State Minister Shama welcomed the resumption of flights by the Maldives' national carrier, ‘Maldivian,’ which officially returned to the Malé-Dhaka route on March 12. This logistical breakthrough is viewed as a vital catalyst for increasing people-to-people exchanges and streamlining the movement of workers and business professionals. Improved connectivity is expected to unlock untapped potential in bilateral trade and tourism, providing a more accessible bridge for citizens of both countries to engage in regional commerce and cultural exchange.

Healthcare Professionals and Specialized Recruitment

The Maldivian envoy, Shiuneen Rasheed, specifically acknowledged the foundational contribution of Bangladeshi workers to her country's development. In a notable shift toward higher-skilled labor, the High Commissioner expressed a keen interest in recruiting more healthcare professionals from Bangladesh. This request aligns with the Maldives' ongoing efforts to strengthen its medical infrastructure, where Bangladeshi doctors and nurses are increasingly sought after for their expertise. Both sides emphasized that health and education remain under-explored domains where deeper bilateral cooperation could yield significant mutual benefits.