Govt plans special court for expatriates: Law Minister

The government plans to establish a special court to address the harassment, grievances and legal problems faced by Bangladeshi expatriates and protect their human rights, said Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Tuesday.

''The court is expected to become operational soon, although the proposal is still at the drafting stage.''

The minister made the remarks at a discussion held at a hotel in the capital to mark the 30th anniversary of the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU), a non-governmental research organisation.

He said the proposed court would handle a range of problems, disputes and legal cases involving expatriate Bangladeshis, with the aim of reducing their suffering and ensuring access to justice.

Asaduzzaman expressed optimism that the initiative would be launched soon, adding that the proposal was currently being drafted.

Speaking at the event, C R Abrar, an adviser to RMMRU and a former adviser to the interim government, said improving the management of the migration sector would make it considerably easier to organise and strengthen the country as a whole.

He stressed the need for a long-term national plan for migration and adequate financial allocations to improve the sector.

The proposed court is expected to address legal challenges faced by expatriate Bangladeshis, although further details about its jurisdiction, structure and implementation timeline have yet to be announced.