International Migrants Day Saturday

The International Migrants Day-2021 will be observed on Saturday in the country in a befitting manner as elsewhere across the globe.

On December 4, 2000, the UN General Assembly taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world declared December 18 as the International Migrants Day, reports BSS.

On that day in 1990, the UN assembly adopted the International Convention on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families.

President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today, on the eve of the day, gave separate messages greeting Bangladeshi migrants in different parts of the world on this occasion.

To mark the day, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment has chalked out various programmes like in other countries of the world.

The theme of the day in Bangladesh has been set as ‘Shoto Borshey Jatir Pita Suborney Swadhinata/Ovibasoney Anbo Morjada O Noitikota’.

In his message, President Abdul Hamid said labor migration has become one of the tools of global development.

“Our migrant workers are earning foreign currencies or remittances for the country alongside contributing to the economic development of the country,” the head of the state said.

He added that the migrant workers of the country are making a significant contribution to the implementation of Vision 2041 and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Highlighting the present government’s endeavors for the development of the migrant workers, Hamid said the government has set up 64 technical training centers and six IMTs in the country to enable them to go abroad with proper training.

Training opportunities at the upazila level are being expanded to create skilled workers for foreign jobs, he said, adding that the youth who want to go abroad should make proper use of these opportunities.

Abdul Hamid urged all concerned to work together for the betterment of migrant workers so that no migrant worker faces any form of exploitation, deprivation and harassment.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment is going to establish five Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Centennial Schools abroad in honour of Bangabandhu.

The premier added that it will create educational opportunities for the children of immigrants abroad.

Many migrants have already returned to the country due to the negative impact of COVID-19 on the global labour market, she said, adding: “We have taken loan and rehabilitation activities for them at low interest and on easy terms.”

So far, about 3 lakh expatriates have been vaccinated under a special online system called ‘surokkha’ application, she said, adding that the government is working sincerely to implement the key to sustainable development which is 'No one should be left behind'.

“In the Eighth Five-Year Plan, we have set a target of 5 million new overseas employments. To this end, various initiatives such as setting up technical training centers at the upazila level, launching time befitting courses in line with the world demand and international certification have been taken,” she continued.

The premier urged the youth to become skilled by using these opportunities and uphold Bangladesh's reputation in the world labour market.