Another migrants' destination unsafe!

South Africa, a growing country since the apartheid era is over, was becoming a popular destination for many Bangladesh people who wanted to seek opportunities abroad. Going there, some made good fortunes by this time. However, we feel sad to hear that Bangladeshis or foreigners are often killed in South Africa. As many as 10 people from Shariatpur had been killed there in the past two years. Terrorists demand ransom from foreigners and sometimes kill them, according to a Bangla daily newspaper.

Following the incidents, some other Bangladeshis are living in South Africa in fear. Some returned home and a few more moved to other parts of the world. A few weeks back, I met an Uber motorbike rider who said he had been in South Africa once. He escaped an attack by miscreants when he gave away his valuables peacefully. He came back to Bangladesh but was planning to go to a European country.

In this context, we urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment to look into the mater seriously. Dhaka can raise the issue with the host country to take steps to stop such incidents. The government should also apprise the people about the steps taken to improve security of the Bangladeshis living and working abroad.

MA Islam

Dhanmondi, Dhaka