Amidst the fear of loss of numerous overseas jobs, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has directed the ambassadors and consulates general in 11 Middle Eastern countries to conduct diplomatic activities so that Bangladeshi workers can be reinstated in their previous employments after the situation gets normal.
In a video conference on Monday, he also asked the envoys to provide food assistance to the expatriates who are facing hardship due to the outbreak of coronavirus.
The chiefs of mission of embassies and consulates general in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Libya, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman took part in the video conference.
Given the situation, if the workers have to return home, diplomatic efforts should be continued to ensure that they get their dues from the employers, the foreign minister told the envoys.
He said that the government will provide assistance to the expatriates on a priority basis.
Dr Momen also urged the expatriate Bangladeshis to support their fellow countrymen in distress.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen participated in the video conference.