Rights campaigners called on the political parties to include the right issues of migrant workers in their election manifestos to ensure their human rights.
More than 10 million Bangladeshi workers are staying in different countries of the globe leaving behind their families who are voters; so the candidates' election manifestos should have special focus on the interests of these overseas population segments, they observed.
The rights defenders made the call on Monday at a consultation on 'Protection of the Rights of Bangladeshi Migrant Workers and Their Family Members' at the National Press Club (NPC) in the city.
The event was organised by WARBE Development Foundation (WARBE DF) on the occasion of The International Human Rights Day-2018.
The WARBE DF also formed a human chain in front of the national press club to press for its various demands.
Migrant workers are deprived of human rights in their workplaces, with many living in subhuman condition, and they do not get enough legal supports while their wages as well as working environment are not up to the required standard, speakers at the consultation commented.
Without political commitment, such problems will not be solved and that is why the political parties will have to pledge in their manifestos what kinds of service they will provide for the wellbeing of the expatriates, they opined.
Addressing as the chief guest, Mohammad Tarik Hayder, member of the National Committee of Bangladesh Society for the Enforcement of Human Rights, said the political parties will shortly announce their election manifestos where they should clearly mention what will be their activities in protection of the migrant workers' rights.
Basic rights of workers are violated in many ways at home and in the job destination countries; consequently, the legal instruments should be properly implemented, he added.
Employing qualified staff in labour and diplomatic wings abroad and providing the workers with necessary training for their skill development help curb violation of migrant rights, he said.
Despite playing a substantial role in the development of Bangladesh, migrant workers have to face different kinds of challenges at home and abroad and they do not get due support from their government either, lamented Omar Faruque, executive director of Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program (OKUP).
He also stressed the need for including the migrants' right issues in the election manifestos.
WARBE DF secretary general Faruque Ahmed said it is very difficult for the migrants to enjoy their basic rights, adding the present mechanism worldwide is not migrant-friendly.
"When we hear discussions of the international forums like Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), it seems a great progress has been achieved for the workers," he remarked.
Jasiya Khatun, director of WARBE DF, moderated the programme while Nazmul Ahsan, chairman of Bangladesh Ovibashi Adhikar Forum, and Mahbuba Haque, executive director of research and social development at INAFI Asia and Bangladesh Foundation were present , among others.
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