Dhaka, May 21:

Bangladesh and the UAE today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that aims to provide better working conditions and protect the rights of Bangladesh migrant workers in the gulf state.

Foreign advisor Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury and visiting UAE labour minister Ali Bin Abdullah Al Kaabi initiated the MoU. The pact hopes to eliminate problems caused by both recruiting and receiving agencies, the UAE minister said. He said a joint committee would be set up with three representatives from each country to see the workers have finger print identities, required medical certificates and ensure that a worker does not pay excess fees for travelling to the UAE. Tho-ugh Kaabi welcomed skilled and non-skilled workers, he said their recruitment would depend on private sector.