Bangladeshi female workers abroad

As many as 311 bodies of Bangladeshi female workers came to the country from the Middle East, mostly from Saudi Arabia, in the past three and half years. Of them, 53 women committed suicide, 120 died in stroke and 56 were killed in accidents. Most of those women who died were below 40 years of age. The statistics were presented at an exchange of views meeting organised by Bangladesh Mohila Parishad in the capital on September 22. Rights activists and stakeholders there emphasised the importance of better awareness, and training for the women before they go to foreign countries to work.

Through media reports, the people in general and the policymakers are now familiar with the abuses our female workers face while working on foreign land. Many of them returned home after suffering and leading inhuman life. We definitely need to develop them as skilled workers so that they can secure better-paid overseas jobs. Alongside men, the female workers should also be trained on how they would be able to overcome challenges abroad. However, there should be complete transparency about their future work and working conditions in unknown destinations. It is high time our government had discussed with the counterparts in the Middle East and elsewhere and worked out modalities on how to ensure safety and security of the wage earners with special care for the women. Every Bangladeshi worker should be treated properly by their employers and the host governments. Our missions abroad should take steps to protect them and ensure their welfare. We insist that no new worker should be sent without assurance that they would be able to work in a safe and secure environment.

Zahidul Islam

Lalmatia, Dhaka