A courtesy call and exchange of views was held with Consul General Rasheduzzaman at the Bangladesh Consulate in Dubai on various issues related to the problems, rights and interests of Bangladeshi expatriates and remittance fighters residing in the United Arab Emirates. A delegation of top leaders of various unit committees under Dubai BNP led by Dubai BNP Convener Mohammad Rafiqul Alam and Member Secretary Mojibul Haque Manju participated in the meeting.
The delegation sought direct intervention of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman through the Consul General to resolve the long-standing crises of the expatriates. The leaders also called on the Prime Minister to visit the United Arab Emirates to make the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates more dynamic and effective.
Several important demands were raised for the welfare of the expatriates in this exchange of views held in an open and cordial atmosphere. Notable among the demands are: taking effective diplomatic initiatives to quickly resolve the long-standing Bangladeshi visa-related complications and internal visa problems, expanding import-export and cargo facilities between Bangladesh and the UAE, and completely stopping harassment of expatriates at the country’s airports.
In addition, it was demanded that if a Bangladeshi citizen dies abroad, the body be quickly sent back to the country with government assistance. At the same time, it was urged to keep the institutions related to expatriate services – Bangladesh Embassy, Consulate, Janata Bank and Biman Bangladesh Airlines – free from syndicates and brokers.
The discussion also raised the issue of speeding up the passport renewal process, simplifying consulate services, and making loan facilities for low-income working expatriates through the Expatriate Welfare Ministry and the Expatriate Welfare Bank easier and more effective.
The leaders of Dubai Metropolitan BNP, its subordinate unit committees, and affiliate and associate organizations were present at the meeting. At the end of the meeting, the leaders present expressed their determination to work in coordination with the consulate administration to protect the interests of the expatriates.
