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Bangladesh says recruitment of workers for Malaysia has restarted through 338 approved agencies, while Malaysia has agreed in principle to recruit 10,000 Bangladeshis at zero cost, according to a Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment statement reported on Thursday.

The group comprises the state-run Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL), 25 private processing or service agencies and 312 recruiting agencies. Under the announced process, recruiting agencies may find Malaysian employers, collect job demand letters and select workers. BOESL and the 25 service agencies will help with administrative steps, including calling visas and e-visas, the ministry said.

Recruiting agencies will then seek Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training clearance for selected workers under their own licences. The government has said the 10,000 positions will be zero-cost, but its latest announcement does not give a timetable or individual application criteria.

One step is still pending: the ministry said Bangladesh and Malaysia are finalising the list of medical centres authorised to conduct health checks. The ministry’s statement said final approval of a revised list is expected after a joint Malaysian delegation inspects centres in Bangladesh.

The announcement sets out a broader route for recruitment, but prospective workers should wait for official instructions on the specific jobs, selection dates and authorised medical centres. The 10,000-worker commitment was described as an agreement in principle.

Tourists can visit Sajek Valley in Rangamati from 16 to 21 October after the district administration lifted a four-day restriction for the Durga Puja period, according to the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

A Dhaka Tribune report credited to United News of Bangladesh (UNB) said around 800 tourists entered Sajek on Friday, the first day after reopening. Suparna Deb Barman, president of the Sajek Cottage-Resort Owners’ Association, gave the estimate. The report said resorts, restaurants and transport services had resumed activity.

The Rangamati administration first suspended tourist entry on 11 October, citing security concerns. BSS reported that the Sajek Karbari Association and the Sajek Public Rights Protection Committee had called an indefinite road blockade, which they later suspended after talks with the administration.

The latest notice allows visits through 21 October. Travellers planning to go after that date should check for a further announcement before setting out.