BRAC's 'Probashi Bondhu' insurance: First payout handed over in Tangail to support migrant workers' safety

Photo: Courtesy

Ashiq Mia from Tangail had gone to Singapore legally after receiving proper training. However, soon after his arrival, a medical checkup detected that he has tuberculosis, forcing him to return home. Before his departure, he had purchased BRAC's "Probashi Bondhu" insurance for TK4,500.

Under this insurance, Ashiq will receive Tk15,000 every month for the next six months.

Today (3 September), the first payout was handed over to Ashiq at an event held at BRAC's local office in Basail, Tangail.

Basail Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mosammat Aklima Begum attended the programme as the chief guest.

Also present were BRAC Migration Programme's Associate Director Shariful Hasan, BRAC Microfinance Programme's Associate Director Belayet Hossain, and Guardian Life Insurance Limited Vice President Naushadul Karim Chowdhury.

At the event, BRAC's Migration Programme also distributed cheques worth Tk6.5 lakh among four returnee migrants to help them set up businesses and regain economic stability.

Aklima Begum said at the event, "Many people from the Basail area go abroad. Through immense hardship, they send money home to support their families and the country. But when these migrants fall into trouble or face accidents, there is often no one to ensure their protection. This insurance will provide them with that safety net."

According to BRAC, over 10 lakh Bangladeshis go abroad every year for work. However, many are forced to return due to health issues, sudden job losses, company closures, or accidents. Some even die overseas.

To ensure financial security for migrant workers, BRAC and Guardian Life Insurance Limited jointly launched the "Probashi Bondhu" insurance.

By purchasing this insurance for just Tk4,400 before going abroad, customers become entitled to several benefits. If they fall sick and are hospitalised overseas, they will receive Tk50,000 to cover medical expenses. In the event of natural or accidental death, the insured's family will be compensated with Tk4 lakh. If the policyholder suffers permanent disability due to an accident abroad, they will receive Tk2 lakh.

In case of job loss, they will be given Tk15,000 per month for up to six months. Policyholders who are forced to return home for any reason will receive Tk2 lakh, and if they die after returning, their families will be provided Tk1,000 for funeral expenses.

Receiving his first payout, Ashiq Mia said, "In Singapore, I was diagnosed with tuberculosis, which was never detected at home. I had to return, but this insurance payout will help me start a new life here in Bangladesh."

Belayet Hossain said, "Migrant workers are the backbone of our economy. This insurance will provide them with security in times of crisis."

"Stories like that of Ashik Mia remind us that migration is not just about dreams, but also about risks. Insurance helps reduce those risks and ensures the protection of our migrants. At the same time, BRAC provides various initiatives for returnees, including counseling, entrepreneurial training, and financial support to start new businesses," said Shariful Hasan.