SREEMANGAL, MOULVIBAZAR, Mar 9: Employment Minister Ariful Haq Chowdhury has stated that the government is in constant communication to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates residing in conflict-prone areas.
He mentioned that preparations are in place to safely bring the expatriates back to the country should the situation deteriorate further.
The minister made these remarks while speaking to journalists on Sunday afternoon after paying homage at the grave of M. Saifur Rahman in Moulvibazar.
Following the visit, the minister said, "Under the directive of the Prime Minister, a committee has been formed comprising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism to monitor the overall situation."
He further informed, "A Bangladeshi from Barlekha recently passed away. The government is in touch with his family members. Arrangements will be made to bring his body back once the necessary permissions are obtained according to the rules of the concerned country. Similarly, we have inquired about the death of another Bangladeshi from Sylhet, and steps will be taken to repatriate his body through the same process."
The minister said, "Due to the uncertainty of what is happening where in the current situation, we are maintaining regular contact with Bangladeshi expatriates living in that region. Many have lost their jobs, and various offices and courts are closed. The government is in continuous communication to ensure their basic needs, including food."
He added, "The government has made comprehensive preparations to bring the expatriates back home if the situation further deteriorates. However, it is not possible to bring anyone back immediately as the air travel routes are currently closed. Once the situation normalises or if the conflict becomes prolonged, necessary decisions will be taken according to the circumstances."
Regarding the payment of wages and allowances to workers before the upcoming Eid, the minister said, "Six teams, led by Joint Secretaries, have been formed to monitor this matter. These teams will visit various industrial areas, hold meetings with owners, and ensure that workers receive their wages, bonuses, and all other dues."
The minister visited the grave of the late former Finance and Planning Minister at Baharmardan in Moulvibazar Sadar upazila and participated in a prayer there.
Earlier, around 3 pm, the minister arrived in Moulvibazar from Sylhet and reached the District Circuit House. There, he was welcomed with flower bouquets by M. Naser Rahman, Member of Parliament for the Moulvibazar-3 constituency and a member of the BNP's National Executive Committee, along with Deputy Commissioner Towhiduzzaman Pavel, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Billal Hossain, and other senior administration officials. After receiving a Guard of Honour at the Circuit House, the minister held a brief exchange of views with administration officials.
Later, around 4:00 pm, he visited the grave of M. Saifur Rahman at Baharmardan. Present at that time were the late minister's eldest son and MP M. Naser Rahman, Deputy Commissioner Towhiduzzaman Pavel, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Billal Hossain, and other senior officials from the district administration and police.
