Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL) sent a record 19,197 Bangladeshi workers abroad in the 2025-26 fiscal year, marking its highest-ever annual deployment.
The number was 3,131 higher than the previous fiscal year, registering a 19.5 percent year-on-year increase, according to BOESL data.
In FY25-26, Jordan emerged as the largest destination for workers sent through BOESL, with 14,543 people securing jobs there.
Brunei received 1,812 Bangladeshi workers, followed by South Korea with 1,404, Malaysia 1,007, Russia 342, Iraq 64, Japan 11, Hong Kong four, Kuwait five and Fiji five.
Since its establishment in 1984, BOESL has facilitated overseas employment for 195,438 Bangladeshi workers in 36 countries up to June 30, 2026.
BOESL Managing Director Mohammad Rashedul Haque said the sharp rise in the number of workers sent abroad reflects growing confidence among foreign countries in the government-run recruitment agency.
He said BOESL is working under a government-to-government (G2G) mechanism to expand labour markets while ensuring greater transparency and lower recruitment costs.
Rashedul said the agency is strengthening existing markets, seeking to reopen previously closed destinations and exploring new opportunities for Bangladeshi workers, particularly skilled manpower.
BOESL Executive Director Shawkat Ali said the agency has set a target of sending 40,000 workers abroad in the current fiscal year.
If achieved, the target would more than double the number of workers sent through BOESL in FY25-26.
BOESL General Manager (Overseas Employment) Noor Ahmed said 1,431 workers were sent abroad through the agency in July alone.
He said discussions are also underway to expand Bangladesh’s labour market to Mongolia, with a decision expected soon.
BOESL officials said strengthening government-led recruitment could help provide Bangladeshi workers with safer and more affordable pathways to overseas employment while reducing dependence on intermediaries.