Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury on Thursday said that the workers have received their due wages and bonuses ahead of Eid due to the present government’s sincere efforts.
“The government has provided nearly Taka 2,500 crore in support to ensure the payment of the workers’ wages and allowances,” he said while talking to the journalists after visiting the Shahi Eidgah in Sylhet City.
Describing the present administration as worker-friendly, the minister said the government is working not only for the workers at home but also for Bangladeshi expatriate workers abroad.
He noted that since the onset of instability in the Middle East, the government has stood by the expatriates.
He further said that due to the cooperation among the government, administration, transport workers and owners, people are able to travel home comfortably this Eid season.
Referring to recent incidents, the minister said that some criminals are exploiting the local families of Bangladeshi expatriates who work in Middle East and extort money from them.
He said authorities have identified those involved and are taking action, while also alerting families to remain cautious.
The minister added that the government is working to reopen the closed labour markets and to enhance workers’ skills. From next month, language training and skill development programmes will be introduced for those seeking overseas employment.
He also said steps are being taken to curb brokers who often put workers at risk through illegal channels.
Senior officials including Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam and Sylhet City Corporation Chief Executive Officer Rezai Rafin Sarkar, were present during the visit to inspect the Eid congregation preparations.
