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Opposition lawmakers in Bangladesh have urged the formation of a parliamentary taskforce to tackle the multifaceted problems confronting expatriate Bangladeshis, emphasizing the need to ensure their dignity and well-being. The call came during a parliamentary discussion where MPs from both treasury and opposition benches voiced significant dissatisfaction with the current conditions faced by migrant workers.

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MPs from both treasury and opposition benches, while taking part in a discussion on a motion brought by Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman, expressed dissatisfaction over the inhumane condition of the expatriate Bangladeshis, including harassment in obtaining and renewing passports.

Concerns raised included the inhumane treatment, harassment in passport services, exploitation by middlemen and recruiting agencies, high migration costs, wage disparities, and unsafe living conditions in host countries. Lawmakers also highlighted issues such as overpriced air tickets, embassy-related difficulties, and inadequate support for workers returning injured or deceased.

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Such efforts could help improve remittance flows and ensure dignity for expatriate workers.

Proposals included forming a dedicated parliamentary taskforce, which Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman suggested should actively engage with expatriates in affected countries and involve embassy officials to improve remittance flows and worker dignity. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed acknowledged the long-standing exploitation of expatriates, while State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur detailed government measures, including efforts to verify and potentially reduce the number of licensed recruiting agencies to curb fraud.

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exploitation of expatriates has occurred over the years.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed expressed openness to forming a taskforce along the lines of the opposition's proposal and suggested a joint working committee from relevant ministries to implement necessary measures. The discussions underscored a shared recognition of the challenges and a potential path forward through collaborative parliamentary and governmental action.

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Bangladesh has around 3,000 licensed recruiting agencies, but a proper verification process could reduce the number to 400–500.