International Migrants' Day is being observed in Bangladesh as elsewhere in the world today with a call to recognise migrants as integral members of society and as equal rights holders. The experts said host societies should be able to take into account all benefits and challenges of migration in terms of economic growth, demographic changes, ethnic and cultural diversity, social inclusion, personal freedoms and respect for the rule of law.

It is very much disturbing to note that some 51 per cent of Bangladeshi migrant workers experience fraudulence or degrading treatment at different stages of their migration, according to a study conducted by Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU). In fact, remittance sent by the Bangladeshi workers is one of the pillars of the country’s economy. Every year the number of migrant workers and the amount of remittance sent by them are increasing. But it is often observed that the terms and conditions and the salaries and other benefits under which Bangladeshis go abroad for remittance earning are not maintained.

The migrant workers are subjected to exploitation, lack of social security, harassment, sexual abuse and even human trafficking. The agencies or organisations do not keep the commitments they make with the migrant workers. There are also incidents of physical abuse of the migrant workers, male or female, abroad. It is the duty of the government and the ministry and department concerned to safeguard the interests of the migrants. At the same time the government should also regulate the errant manpower agents or agencies to behave. It is the duty of the host countries to see to this.

The missions of Bangladesh in various countries should try to address any kind of abuse, discrimination of harassment perpetrated by the foreign organisations. Our missions can put up the issues with the relevant departments of those countries for redress. In this way they can preserve the rights of the migrant workers. If it is done the lot of our workers abroad will improve. The role of law enforcing agencies in the country is vital in this regard.

A number of hurdles and bottlenecks are impeding the smooth sailing of the migrant workers. There are some bureaucratic complicacies that the migrants face. There is also the menace of fake manpower agencies. All bottlenecks from passport making to going abroad and engaging in designated job should be simplified in the interest of the migrant workers.