Dhaka: Citing that Bangladesh is facing a deep and complex crisis in overseas employment due to entrenched broker syndicates, document forgery, and systemic failures, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today emphasized the need for a broker and fraudulence-free system in sending workers abroad. "Overseas migration has become dangerously entwined with brokers and fraud. Until we are free from this, there is no reason to believe that meaningful progress has been made," he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Adviser highlighted various government initiatives to tackle the entrenched migration challenges, noting that despite sincere efforts, the desired results have not been fully achieved. He remarked that while many initiatives appear impressive on the surface, they have not effectively penetrated the broker-dominated system.
Professor Yunus made these comments during an event at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium to mark International Migrants Day and National Expatriates Day-2025, observed annually on December 18. Reflecting on his experience with Grameen Bank, he recalled how he first encountered the broker syndicate when rural women sought loans to send their children abroad. He emphasized the necessity of changing this broker-controlled system to advance the country economically through remittances.
The event also featured Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul and Senior Secretary to the ministry Dr. Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan. During the event, 86 Bangladeshi expatriates were honored as CIPs for their contributions in various categories, including direct investment in Bangladesh's industries, sending significant remittances through legal channels, and importing Bangladeshi products globally.
Professor Yunus also distributed cheques for insurance benefits, medical assistance, financial aid, compensation, and scholarships to the families of expatriate workers. Expatriates Raju Ahmed and Shahnara Akter Shanu shared their experiences, while a documentary highlighted the role of expatriates in the 2024 July Uprising and the government's efforts to ensure their welfare.
Professor Asif Nazrul presented a Task Force report on reforms and strategic realignment of the ministry to the Chief Adviser. Professor Yunus discussed the government's actions to release Bangladeshi migrants jailed abroad for demonstrating in solidarity with the July Uprising, emphasizing their emotional rather than malicious intent.
Highlighting discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Professor Yunus mentioned resolving issues faced by Bangladeshi workers unable to travel despite paying full costs. He pointed out the global demand for workers, noting Japan's willingness to accept large numbers of Bangladeshi workers if they possess language and vocational skills.
Professor Yunus addressed the issue of document forgery, which has tarnished Bangladesh's global image, leading to visa bans from some Middle Eastern countries. However, he noted improvements due to government efforts, reopening some international opportunities for Bangladeshi workers.
He praised the resilience and adaptability of Bangladeshi expatriates, noting their successes abroad without formal training. Emphasizing the potential of Bangladesh's youth, with nearly 90 million under the age of 27, he stressed the importance of preparing them to meet global human resource demands.
Professor Yunus concluded by highlighting the need for discipline and governance to use this 'gold mine' of youth effectively, stating that if the system is not improved, the country's destiny will remain unchanged.