Today is International Migrants Day

Today (Saturday) is International Migrants Day. The day is celebrated worldwide on December 18 every year. In Bangladesh as in other countries, various programs have been taken on the occasion of this day.

Millions of people are migrating every year for various reasons including employment. At present this number is over 28 crores all over the world. Which is more than 3 and a half percent of the total population. This number is increasing every year due to conflict violence and climate change.

Most of the migrants are from South Asia. In the last few decades, more than one and a quarter crore Bangladeshis have gone abroad in search of work. In the 90's, besides the male workers, female workers also started to migrate. However, these workers confessed to various harassments and deceptions while going abroad. Excess immigration costs do not match the desired wages and jobs. Shakirul Islam, chairman of the Migrant Workers Development Program (OKAP), said women were the biggest victims. On the other hand, the migration sector is becoming riskier as the airfare to the Middle East has already increased several times.

However, the Expatriate Welfare Minister said that the agents are at the root of the harassment of the migrant workers. He said it was important to create awareness among the workers. He also said that they have a plan for this purpose. The minister said the ministry has taken various initiatives for the welfare of expatriates. They are working to rehabilitate workers who have returned, especially during the Corona. The minister also said that emphasis is being laid on their training.

On this occasion, various programs have been taken in Dhaka today. The main and national program of the day will be held at 10:30 am today at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center in the capital. On the occasion of the day, President Mohammad Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages.