Nearly 5,000 migrant workers in their 30s died last year, raising many questions: RMMRU study

The average age of deceased Bangladeshi migrant workers whose bodies were repatriated last year was just 38, according to a study by the Refugee and Migratory Movement Research Unit (RMMRU), raising serious concerns about the health and safety of workers abroad.

"Why would such young people succumb to death suddenly?" questioned Tasneem Siddiqui, acting executive director of RMMRU, at a dialogue held in Dhaka today (29 May). 

"The Government of Bangladesh also does not conduct any autopsy to verify whether the reasons assigned in the death certificate are authentic," she added while speaking at the event titled "Ensuring Dignity and Rights of the Deceased Migrant Workers."

She further said in many cases, the returned bodies bore signs of injury despite being listed as "natural deaths" on certificates.

In 2024, the number of Bangladeshi migrant deaths abroad reached a record high, with 4,813 bodies repatriated, marking a 5.7% increase from 4,552 in 2023, according to the study.

The report also highlighted that Bangladeshi female migrant workers, who succumb to death in the Gulf, other Arab, and Southeast Asian countries, are at least ten years younger compared to those who die in Europe, the United States of America, and other developed countries, as well as non-labour receiving Asian countries.

Analysing data from 2017 to 2021, RMMRU said around 32% of female migrants' deaths are officially classified as unnatural, including accidental deaths, murders and suicides. A significant number of these deaths occurred shortly after workers arrived in their host countries, the study found.

The study pointed out the lack of a standard format for listing causes of death, and the absence of a system to re-examine suspicious cases after the bodies return to Bangladesh.

Forensic medicine expert Professor Dr Kamrul Hasan stressed the importance of second autopsies. "If there is any suspicion regarding the cause of death, a post-mortem can be conducted in Bangladesh," he said at the event.

Speaking at the dialogue, ATM Abdur Rouf Mondal, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the government is preparing a circular directing Bangladeshi missions abroad to use ministry funds to repatriate bodies when the Wage Earners' Welfare Board cannot cover the costs.

He also noted improvements in how deceased migrants are received at Dhaka airport. 

"Previously, coffins arrived as general cargo, and there were no dedicated waiting areas for grieving families. Based on recommendations from a 2022 RMMRU study and in consultation with the NHRC and the ministry, designated spaces have now been arranged for storing bodies and seating family members. This has also reduced harassment in accessing services from different agencies," he said.

However, according to the report, despite the improvements 80% of families faced difficulties in processing paperwork required to receive the bodies of their loved ones.