Migrant workers deserve better treatment at airport

International migration has a significant role in our economy. A large number of people depend on our migrants' income. They are bringing about a revolutionary change in our socio-economic life, particularly in rural Bangladesh. And the annual number of outbound migrants is increasing every year. They work in various countries of the Middle East, Europe, Asia and America.
These workers often complain of harassment and neglect at our airports. Delay in getting back luggage, baggage lost, pilferage of valuable items from the luggage are common allegations by the returning migrants at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. Many of them do not even get trolleys for carrying the luggage from the belt area to the exit gate.
The recent incident of slapping a migrant worker by a customs officer at the Dhaka airport has, however, shocked many of us. In the name of interrogation, the officer reportedly harassed and abused the worker. Although the officer has already been suspended, this incident shows us how badly our migrant workers are being treated at the airport. We urge the aviation authorities to improve the quality of services at our airports.

Mamun Hossain Agun,
Student of Department of Political Science,
Dhaka College, Dhaka,
mamunhossainagun9348@gmail.com