DHAKA, Dec. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- High cost of migration coupled with reduction of international demands are thwarting the promotion of manpower export of Bangladesh.

    The country's manpower export to traditional markets like the Middle East countries is declining and an unhealthy competition among the recruiting agencies is increasing the cost of migration,The Daily Star reported Sunday.

    A worker now pays 200,000 to 230,000 taka (3,077 to 3,538 US dollars) for a job of a cleaner in Saudi Arabia whereas the cost was 140,000 to 170,000 taka (2,153 to 2,615 dollars) only a few months ago.

    The crises have been aggravated as the importing countries are now encouraging the employers to hire their own unemployed youths.

    The massive decline in Saudi demand has pushed down overall manpower export 15.45 percent in 2005 compared to 2004.

    Malaysia, which had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bangladesh to hire its workers back in October 2003, reportedly shied away from the commitment.

    The government was accused for failing to explore new markets. Manpower recruiting agencies in the country suggested formation ofa government cell for finding out new markets and for preparing the human resources accordingly in collaboration with the education ministry. Enditem