By Arju Afrin Kathy
Bangladesh relies heavily on labour migration as a source of national income, with remittances constituting a substantial portion of its GDP (International Labour Organization [ILO], 2022). Technical Training Centres (TTCs) and District Employment and Manpower Offices (DEMOs) serve as the backbone of the overseas employment system, providing training, certification, pre-departure orientation, counselling, and grievance management. However, these institutions face operational and financial gaps that undermine their effectiveness. Insufficient funding, outdated curricula, weak institutional coordination, and limited international recognition of certifications collectively diminish the preparedness, protection, and global competitiveness of Bangladeshi migrant workers (Siddiqui & Abrar, 2020; CPD, 2025). This brief synthesizes findings from a multi-stakeholder consultation and provides actionable policy recommendations for strengthening TTCs and DEMOs. Its objective is to enhance governance, institutional capacity, market alignment, and financial sustainability to ensure better migrant worker outcomes.
