Diplomatic, legal initiatives continue to bring Hasina back: Parliamentary body

The government is continuing diplomatic and legal initiatives to bring Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh, according to the meeting of a parliamentary committee.

The government's stance over the repatriation of Sheikh Hasina was raised in the second meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (17 September).

The meeting was held at the parliament with its Chairman Jahrat Adib Chowdhury in the chair, said a press release.

"The government's stance regarding bringing Sheikh Hasina back to the country was raised during the meeting. It was stated that the Government of Bangladesh is continuing the necessary diplomatic and legal initiatives to bring her back," it said.

The meeting stressed the need for maintaining a balanced foreign policy and partnerships with all countries while taking decisions by prioritising Bangladesh's national interests.

It was also noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has attached importance to the "Bangladesh First" policy.

A report on checking illegal migration and human trafficking was presented at the meeting.

The meeting said there had been serious systemic weaknesses in the process of sending workers abroad in the past, and that the country is now dealing with longstanding problems caused by inadequate verification and screening.

It stressed the need to ensure proper authentication of information and documents of migrant workers.

The committee recommended developing a transparent and effective process, in coordination with the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Ministry of Labour and Employment, to send suitable and verified workers abroad through appropriate recruiting agencies.

It also noted that a Migration Wing has been introduced at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the first time to ensure safe migration and protect the interests of expatriate workers.

The committee recommended taking necessary steps to raise awareness at the grassroots level through social awareness campaigns and inform people about the legal process of migration to protect potential migrants from fraud of the brokers and unauthorised intermediaries.

The meeting also reviewed progress in resolving the Rohingya crisis and expressed optimism that the committee would visit Rohingya camps in October.

Committee members, including State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Md. Amanullah Aman, SK Azizul Baree, ABM Mosharrof Hossain and Sanjida Islam attended the meeting.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir also attended the meeting at the special invitation of the committee.

The Foreign Secretary and senior officials from the Ministry and the Parliamentary Secretariat were also present.