434,000 Bangladeshis secure overseas jobs in seven months: Ariful Haque

Expatriate Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury said that around 434,000 Bangladeshi workers have secured overseas employment abroad over the past seven months, despite ongoing wars.

He added that the government hopes to do even better and keep its place in the global labor market under difficult circumstances.

Ariful Haque Chowdhury made these remarks on Thursday morning (October 1) while formally inaugurating a trolley service designed to facilitate the convenient transport of luggage for expatriate workers and inspecting the Expatriate Welfare Desk inside Chattogram's Shah Amanat International Airport.

During the visit, the Minister spoke directly with outbound passengers and asked about their needs, the facilities available to them, and the problems they face.

The Minister stressed that workers going abroad must be skilled. Sending more workers without proper skills, he said, would bring no real benefit to the country.

Speaking to airport authorities about passenger healthcare, he directed them to set up an emergency medical center for expatriate workers quickly. Instructions to select a site have already been given. He added that the government is fully prepared to provide all necessary facilities for expatriate workers.

He also pointed to the hardship caused by long waits at the airport, especially when flights are delayed or rescheduled. Because the airport is far from the city, finding accommodation and meals is even harder. To address this, the government plans to build a rest house near the airport so passengers can stay comfortably whatever the situation, he added.

Md. Abdur Rahman Tarafder, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, attended the event along with senior ministry officials, Chattogram district administration representatives, and airport management.