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Around 434,000 Bangladeshi workers secured overseas employment in the past seven months, despite ongoing conflicts in different parts of the world, Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury said on Thursday.
He said the government would continue its efforts to expand overseas employment and maintain Bangladesh’s position in the global labour market despite the challenging international situation.
The minister made the remarks on Thursday morning (October 1) while inaugurating a trolley service for the convenient transport of luggage by migrant workers and inspecting the Expatriate Welfare Desk at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram.
During the visit, Ariful Haque spoke with outbound migrant workers and asked about their needs, available facilities and problems they face at the airport.
He stressed the importance of sending skilled workers abroad, saying increasing the number of migrant workers without improving their skills would not bring meaningful benefits to the country.
The minister also directed airport authorities to establish an emergency medical centre for migrant workers as soon as possible. He said instructions had already been given to identify a suitable site and assured that the government would provide the necessary facilities.
He also highlighted the difficulties faced by passengers during prolonged waits caused by delayed or rescheduled flights.
As the airport is located far from the city, finding accommodation and food during long waits can be difficult, he said. To address the problem, the government plans to build a rest house near the airport where migrant workers and other passengers can stay comfortably when necessary.
Labour and Employment Ministry Secretary Md Abdur Rahman Tarafder, senior ministry officials, representatives of the Chattogram district administration and airport authorities attended the programme.
