Criticising the 'government inaction' over the recent return of abused female domestic workers from the Middle East, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) yesterday demanded the government take immediate action to stop such injustice and ensure accountability of the agencies concerned, reports UNB.

In a press statement, TIB said 160 female workers returned home in the last week of June alone while 260 in May. TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said such return of abused workers from the Middle East reflects the absence of good governance in overseas recruitment sector as well as the inaction of the authorities concerned and lack of their responsiveness to women's rights.

Dr Zaman demanded compensation, due rehabilitation of the women and ensuring the protection of future workers under the safety net of bilateral agreements.

He said the allegations of worker abuse in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, are nothing new and the government should be tough while dealing with them in this regard in the future.