Govt working to put an end to exploitation of workers abroad: Asif Nazrul

The government is working to put an end to the exploitation of workers abroad, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said today (29 November).

In a Facebook post, he said, "I was in Qatar for three days for government work. I heard many stories of exploitation from the Bangladeshis who work in the hotel where I was staying. I talked with many workers, and the professionals invited at our embassy. I heard statements from the embassy officials as well."

The main complaint of the migrant workers were on issuance of passports, NIDs, power of attorney, employment and wages there, he said. 

"I talked to the director general (Passport and Immigration) regarding passport issue already. He assured me that the passport delivery will begin from mid-December.

"Yesterday, I requested the home adviser to cut passport fee and make it equal for all. I will remain in touch [with the ministry] in this regard," he added.

He further said the law ministry would look into what more can be done to ease the process of obtaining passports and NIDs.

Mentioning money withdrawal and transfer from accounts of Islamic banks, the law adviser said the Bangladesh Bank has already provided funds to solve this problem.

"We will try to resolve the injustice done to these banks during the past government [which I think was done in a planned way]."

In the post, he urged everyone to pray for the departed soul of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif who was recently killed in Chattogram.