STAR REPORT

Bangladeshi missions are working round the clock to ensure the safety of expatriate Bangladeshis in war-affected countries, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed yesterday.

She made the remark at a programme titled, “Word Conference Series 2026”, organised by the Centre for Non-Resident Bangladeshis at a Dhaka hotel.

At the programme, Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan handed over Remittance Awards to 13 banks, one institution, and an individual.

Referring to the ongoing war in the Middle East, Shama said many Bangladeshi workers are employed in Gulf countries, and the missions are “working 24/7” so that expatriate Bangladeshis remain safe and secure.

She also said eight Bangladeshis have so far been killed in the war, and the government is working to bring their bodies back home.

Information Minister Swapan said RMG exports and remittances are the country’s main sources of foreign currency.

State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur said the government is considering a plan to develop a dedicated area for expat Bangladeshis, possibly in Purbachal, as part of a proposed “expatriate city”.

Nur said many returning migrant workers fail to receive government support because they did not complete Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) registration.

He said workers who return within six months or a year can receive rehabilitation support and training if they completed BMET registration.

He also said families of those with BMET cards were eligible for burial support, immediate family expenses and insurance benefits.

Nur expressed concern over irregular migration, saying Bangladeshis are often found among those involved in boat-tragedy incidents in the Mediterranean, which creates embarrassment for the country and affects its image.