Editorial
Rehabilitating distressed returnees
Does the govt have a plan in hand?
What's in store for the returnees from Libya? With each passing day this question is staring us in the face. Compassion alone will not suffice for the unfortunate Bangladeshi workers coming back in thousands to the country. The woes and ordeal that they went through in Libya and at the borders of Tunisia and Egypt are indescribable. With their narratives of starvation, inclement weather, lack of shelter, loss of belongings, rough treatment by members of Libyan forces and what have you, they now arrive to an uncertain future at home.
As the news of their sufferings continues to filter in, quick and safe evacuation of the stranded workers is, no doubt, of prime importance. However those that have come back would still be doing so, need to be looked after. In the first place, a proper record of returnees should be maintained to keep tab on them and help them to their feet. They deserve utmost consideration as their sacrifice and hard work have made immense contribution to the national exchequer.
The misery of this nature could breed internal tension with an adverse effect on the socio economic conditions of the country. A large number of families depended on their incomes abroad. They have been pushed into severe economic hardship and equally uncertain future. This is a full-blooded crisis we were hardly prepared to cope with. And with this in mind, we have to do crisis management with utmost care and energy. If necessary, private sector and NGO cooperation should be solicited.
The government needs to draw up a short and mid-term rehabilitation strategy with immediate effect and implement those to make best use of the workforce. It should arrange motivation, counseling, capacity building, and skill training and explore new areas of employment from them in and out of the country. Nothing short of an organised national effort can see them through their tribulations.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments