NCP calls for swift action on border push-ins and labour market issues

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has called for urgent action, expressing concern over recent border push-in incidents and the legality of foreign workers in the country's labour market.

The party also urged the government to announce a clear action plan within the next 24 to 48 hours on the issue.

These demands were made at an emergency press briefing held in Chattogram today (9 June), where NCP Central Joint Member Secretary Shagufta Bushra Mishma presented the party's position.

From the press briefing, the party urged the government to publicly disclose its stance on border push-ins, the framework for verifying the legality of foreign workers, and a roadmap for protecting domestic employment within 24 to 48 hours.

In her written statement, Shagufta said that attempts to push individuals into Bangladesh through the border without proper verification, diplomatic engagement, and internationally recognised repatriation procedures are unacceptable for a sovereign state.

She added that safeguarding border dignity and ensuring employment for citizens are key responsibilities of the state.

She said, "While a large number of educated and skilled youths enter the labour market each year, questions have long persisted over the transparency and legality of foreign workers, particularly Indian nationals, employed in various sectors, and we call for effective measures in this regard."

She further said, "Our position is not against any country's citizens. We are speaking in favour of Bangladesh's laws, sovereignty, employment, and national interests."

Shagufta said that legal action must be taken against illegally employed foreign nationals and called for a phased roadmap to replace foreign workers with Bangladeshi workers in sectors where local skilled manpower is available.

The press briefing outlined several demands on border issues, including full investigation and disclosure of each push-in incident, ensuring compliance with international law and bilateral procedures, and taking effective diplomatic steps to protect the dignity of Bangladesh and its citizens at the border.

In the employment sector, the demands included an urgent national audit to verify the legality of foreign workers particularly Indian nationals- working in Bangladesh, legal action against those employed illegally, accountability of recruiting agencies, and mandatory transparency in foreign worker recruitment.

The party also called for the formulation of a national roadmap to develop local skilled manpower and gradually replace foreign workers with Bangladeshi nationals.