Editorial
Woes of returnee workers
They should be helped to their feet
We join the global society in expressing our deep concern over the lack of safety and stable future for migrant workers. Bangladeshis constitute a large proportion of migrant workers worldwide. Not only have they been contributing to the economy of the employing states but also add-on to our national growth by way of remitting more than 10 billion dollars annually. And, away from home, many have to toil in adverse conditions more often than not.
Returnees from Libya, who are under focus now, speak of the latest crises that they are faced with. There's big humanitarian crisis in Libya where thousands of migrant workers from different countries suddenly find themselves without job and uncertainty looms large over their future. Returning home is itself an issue let alone their question of rehabilitation, compensation and restoration of job in Libya.
Unfortunately there have been words of anguish from the returnees that our mission staffs have not been responsive to their conditions. These are natural disappointments of suffering people. They should not feel abandoned. If necessary, we should strengthen our missions in Tripoli, including those in Egypt and Tunisia so that they can extend all assistance to our workers and professionals and arrange speedy and safe evacuation. We must do everything to bring them home.
At home, we appreciate the government efforts. Reception facilities have been opened at the airport and there's a welfare desk working to attend them. The repatriated are being received and paid Tk.1000 each as travel expense. International Organization for Migrants (IOM) is helping to transport them to their destinations from the airport.
We need to do more for them. We owe a lot to our wage earners overseas. Both, public and private sectors should lend a hand of assistance for their rehabilitation. Financial support must be ensured to all in accord with situational reality. Proper counseling should also be extended so that they don't emotionally break down.
We agree with the migration experts at a roundtable in Dhaka last week that there should be a global voice for ensuring safety of migrants from both the sending and destination countries.
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