International labour migration is a crucial pillar of Bangladesh’s economy. Every year, many Bangladeshis go abroad for employment. According to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), out of a total of 1,116,399 migrants in 2025, nearly 82.4 per cent (919,981 people) went to the Middle East or Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

In 2025, Bangladesh received a total of $32.8 billion in remittances. Of this, nearly 46 per cent ($15.07 billion) came from GCC countries (Bangladesh Bank, 2026). This highlights how dependent Bangladesh is on this region for work and income.

However, migration is not just an economic issue; it is also linked to politics and international relations. Rising tensions in the Middle East, especially a potential war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, are creating new uncertainties regarding Bangladeshi workers’ jobs, mobility, and safety. Therefore, migration should not be seen solely in terms of supply and demand but understood within the broader geopolitical context.