Expatriates play a significant part in bolstering the economic growth of Bangladesh, according to Yunus.
The interim government of Bangladesh is taking significant steps to improve the lives of expatriates and strengthen their connection to the nation. In a recent interaction with members of the Bangladesh community in Malaysia, key figures highlighted various initiatives aimed at addressing the concerns of expatriates and enhancing their participation in national affairs.
At the event, Asif Nazrul, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser, expressed gratitude for the expatriates' contributions and echoed the sentiments of the government. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser, thanked Bangladeshi expatriates for their significant contributions to the national economy through remittances and discussed opportunities for their participation in the upcoming election.
One of the key areas of focus is enabling expatriates to vote in the next election. The government is coordinating with the Election Commission to ensure this right, recognising the significant contribution of expatriates to the economy. Muhammad Yunus hinted at a "new experience" for expatriates in the voting process.
Administrative improvements are also a priority. The interim government is addressing passport-related complications and working to remove syndicates in foreign labour destinations. They have replaced a private mobile app system for worker registration with a unified government digital platform, reducing costs and delays for workers overseas. Hossain urged expatriate workers to ensure they have proper documentation before arriving in Malaysia.
Healthcare is another crucial aspect of the government's strategy. Plans are underway to establish a modern hospital exclusively for expatriates to support their well-being, acknowledging their socio-economic contributions.
Consular expansion is another key component of the government's efforts. New diplomatic missions are being opened, including a High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand, and consulates in Johor Bahru and Penang in Malaysia, to better serve the large expatriate population and increase bilateral cooperation.
The government is also working to address the issues of irregular migrants in regions like Oman and Jordan, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups such as women workers. Language and vocational training centres have expanded, and international agreements are being pursued to improve migrant workers' protections and opportunities.
Md Touhid Hossain, Foreign Affairs Adviser, reiterated the government's commitment to promptly addressing expatriate issues. Hossain said, "We can't help you without proper documents." Muhammad Yunus assured the expatriates that the issues they raised would be addressed.
The interim government's efforts reflect a broad, multi-faceted strategy to improve expatriates' participation in national affairs, streamline administrative processes, expand diplomatic reach, and provide greater protection and services to Bangladeshis abroad. The "Citizen Services Bangladesh" initiative and the development of a dedicated app aim to deliver government services to expatriates more efficiently. These initiatives demonstrate the government's commitment to ensuring the well-being and success of Bangladeshis living abroad.
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