67,000 women migrants, mostly tortured, return home in 6 years: BRAC

At least 67,000 women migrants have returned home in the last six years, facing various crises, most of whom have been tortured abroad, Associate Director (Migration and Youth Platforfm) of BRAC Shariful Hasan said today (7 May).

Shariful made the remark while presenting the keynote paper at a workshop titled "We are one for the rights and empowerment of women migrants", organised by Brac at a hotel in the capital.

While presenting the paper, Shariful said, "'Network for Bangladeshi Women Migrants' programme by BRAC will work to provide services to women migrants returning home."

Md Mushfiqur Rahman, chairperson of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Foundation of the government, who attended the event as chief guest, said, "The number of women expatriates is rising from Bangladesh. While providing security to them abroad, they have to be associated with different works and initiatives upon their return."

"The SME Foundation established by the government will work towards preparing, training and financially helping women expatriates who will return home," Mushfiqur said.

Speaking as special guest, Md Saiful Haque Chowdhury, additional secretary (Planning and Development) of the Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment, said, "Women fall victim to different types of violence, including from their families. Migration of women has to be secured so that women do not face danger while abroad."

"The government is working to increase services to women expatriates upon their return, including at the airports," Saiful said.

Sheepa Hafiza, former executive director of Ain o Salish Kendra (Ask) and chairperson of BRAC's "Network for Bangladeshi Women Migrants" programme, presided over the workshop, where various officials from the public and private sectors spoke.