Strict action against illegal sea migration: State minister

State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque on Thursday said the government would take stern measures to stop the dangerous trend of Bangladeshis attempting to reach Europe and other countries through illegal sea routes.

“This trend of travelling abroad through sea routes must be stopped at any cost. The government will take action against those pushing young people towards death through risky and irregular migration,” the state minister said.

He called for greater public awareness and more proactive measures by law enforcement agencies to curb the problem.

He made the remarks as chief guest at a national workshop titled “From Return to Rise: Stories of Resilience and Reintegration”, organised by BRAC’s Migration Programme at a city hotel.

Highlighting the contribution of migrant workers, Nurul Haque said that while thousands of crores of taka are wasted and embezzled within the state system, it is the hard-earned remittances of migrant workers that keep the national economy strong.

He said the government is committed to taking sustainable initiatives for the reintegration and rehabilitation of returnee migrants.

On accountability in the recruitment sector, the state minister said punitive measures must be taken against agencies involved in unethical practices. He also stressed the need to ensure quality-based grading and accountability in BAIRA membership rather than simply increasing the number of members.

BRAC Chairperson Hossain Zillur Rahman, who presided over the event, said coordinated efforts between government and non-government organisations are essential to ensure safe migration and the welfare of returnees, as the challenges are multi-dimensional.

Speaking as a special guest, National Skills Development Authority Executive Chairman Nazneen Kawsar Chowdhury said sending skilled workers based on international labour market demand and ensuring sustainable reintegration of returnees are critically important.

Ministry Secretary Md Mokhtar Ahmed said many returnee migrants come home with shattered dreams and deep psychological trauma. He stressed the need to provide them with psychosocial and livelihood support after their return, describing the PRATYASHA project as an inspiring model.

EU Counsellor Iurate Smalskyte Merville said new approaches and solutions are needed to reduce irregular migration from Bangladesh and urged all stakeholders to work together to promote legal migration pathways.

The workshop highlighted the nationwide achievements of the “Improved Sustainable Reintegration of Bangladeshi Returnee Migrants (PRATYASHA-2)” project, jointly funded by the European Union and BRAC.

Two returnee migrants, Selina Begum and Sohel Rana, also shared their reintegration experiences at the event.

Shariful Islam Hasan, associate director of BRAC, presented the keynote paper, while Safi Rahman Khan, director of BRAC, delivered the welcome address.

Among others, the event was attended by Saiful Huq Chowdhury, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment; Md Asaduzzaman, Director General of the Wage Earners' Welfare Board; and Lokman Hossain, Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with representatives from various national and international organisations.