’80% of migrant worker issues originate domestically’

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said, "80 percent migrant worker issues originate domestically. Later, it is the embassies that have to handle these issues. Therefore, if workers can be sent after proper training and education, the problems faced by expatriates will be reduced, and at the same time, the pressure on missions will also lessen."

He made these remarks today (April 18) while addressing officials on the occasion of Foreign Service Day.

Speaking to embassy officials, Touhid Hossain said, "the problems of expatriates must be resolved as a top priority. Even though embassies have limitations, people must be served first."

Regarding remittances, he said, "In the 1980s, export earnings stood at one billion dollars. Now, they have reached 60 billion dollars, where embassies have played a role, even if to a limited extent. Despite various limitations, ten million expatriates continue to send remittances to the country."

On the issue of Rohingya repatriation, he stated, "The Arakan Army is a major obstacle to Rohingya repatriation. Bangladesh is neither in a position to engage with them directly nor able to completely avoid them."

He further added, "During the Liberation War, officials of the Foreign Service played a crucial role in mobilizing global public opinion in support of Bangladesh. Their efforts began in Kolkata, where the Deputy High Commission was established on April 18, 1971, with a team of 65 officers and staff."