Iftekhar assured of Kuwait's bid to resolve workers' problems

Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury Friday said the Kuwaiti authorities have assured him of every effort to resolve the problems faced by the Bangladeshi workers in Kuwait, reports UNB.brIftekhar, also in charge of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, returned home early Friday after a two-day visit to Kuwait.brThe Foreign Adviser mentioned that the Kuwaiti authorities announced an amnesty until October 15 for illegal workers to depart Kuwait without any legal impediments.brTo facilitate the Mission's work in this regard, and also in response to public demand, we have decided to increase manpower at the (Bangladesh) Embassy, he said. brWe've also engaged a Kuwaiti lawyer to protect our workers' interests. I had a meeting with him as well, Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury said.brDuring the visit, the Adviser held discussions with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mohamed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Labour Minister Bader Fahed Ali Al-Duwailah and other senior officials. brHe also held two rounds of discussion with the members of the Bangladeshi community.brTalking to the media in the city Friday, the Foreign Adviser said the Kuwait authorities have assured him that a minimum wage of KD 40 is being fixed for the workers and their living conditions would be improved. brThe question of compensation to the deported labourers would be speedily addressed, he said, adding Kuwait will also take stern action against the Kuwaiti companies who have exploited the Bangladeshis.brIftekhar informed that the Kuwaiti Parliament would meet in an emergency session on September 10 to discuss the crisis with regard to foreign workers, including Asians and Bangladeshis. In that respect the visit was well-timed, he said.brHe said the Kuwaiti authorities see Bangladesh as a great friend who stood by them at the hour of their greatest need during the Iraqi occupation.brI also appreciated their support to our economic development. I urged them to take skilled manpower from Bangladesh in the future. brThey also agreed to consider supporting some new projects in Bangladesh covering the Padma Bridge, Chittagong Port, and the Special Economic Zone in Sylhet.br