PM warns of stern action against fraudulence in manpower export

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Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina Sunday warned of stern action against any fraudulent activities relating to manpower export and said the government would not only cancel the recruiting licence of offenders, but would also take other punitive measures against those responsible for frauds, reports UNB. She issued the warning while addressing a discussion organised by Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city, marking the International Migrants Day. Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni and chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud spoke on the occasion as special guests. Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Dr Jafar Ahmed Khan gave the welcome address. The PM said that the government would not tolerate any sort of fraudulent activities relating to the export of manpower. She said that for the convenience of the workers seeking employment abroad, the government had established 'Prabashi Kalyan Bank' in last April. From this specialised bank the people would get soft loan, she said. "From next month, the government will set up booths of this bank at Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet airports, and will open its branches in all divisional headquarters," she also added. Hasina said that the government had established an Endowment Fund with Tk 1.4 billion(140 crore) as seed money, and is spending money from its profit for skill development. She said that nearly 8.0 million Bangladeshi citizens had been working around the world leaving their near and dear ones at home. They had been earning foreign currencies for the country. Their hard-earned foreign exchange is boosting the national economy.