Asif Nazrul: Ensuring expats’ voting rights crucial

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has emphasized the importance of ensuring voting rights for expatriates, calling it a critical step towards their greater inclusion in the nation’s democratic processes.

Speaking at an International Migrants Day and National Expatriates Day seminar held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Wednesday, he mentioned the interim government’s efforts to address expatriate concerns.

“We are committed to assisting in securing voting rights for our expatriates. While the matter primarily falls under the Election Commission’s jurisdiction, our ministry will do everything in its power to support this cause,” Asif Nazrul said.

Rise in remittance

Asif Nazrul, who is also the law adviser, said a remarkable 26% increase in remittance inflows from August to November under the interim government, compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year (2023-24) under the Sheikh Hasina administration.

He credited this growth to targeted initiatives to resolve expatriates’ challenges and foster confidence among overseas workers.

Tackling concerns

Highlighting the government’s measures, Asif Nazrul said all efforts are being made to eliminate harassment, reduce migration costs and open new opportunities for sending skilled workers to European countries.

“We are working to address integration challenges and ensure that expatriates receive the respect and support they deserve,” he added.

Recalling their significant contributions during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Asif Nazrul lauded expatriates for their sacrifices, noting: “They made the impossible possible and stood by the nation during critical times, even enduring imprisonment for their efforts.”

Concerns about financial mismanagement

Asif Nazrul expressed deep concern over alleged corruption involving expatriates’ remittances during the previous administration.

“It deeply hurts us when expatriates’ hard-earned money is looted and laundered abroad by fascist forces. Most expatriates prefer using Islami Bank for remittance transfers, but the Hasina government exploited and looted the bank, siphoning off thousands of crores,” he said.

Passport issues

Addressing complaints about passport-related harassment, the adviser clarified that passports do not fall under his ministry’s purview but assured expatriates that efforts would be made to resolve these issues.

“Although this is beyond our direct control, we will continue to advocate for improvements to ensure better services for expatriates,” he said.

Asif Nazrul repeated the interim government’s commitment to expatriates’ welfare, saying: “We have taken initiatives to solve all problems faced by expatriates and hope to implement them swiftly.”

Over 5 million Bangladeshi citizens currently live abroad, according to the 2022 population census conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has emphasized the importance of ensuring voting rights for expatriates, calling it a critical step towards their greater inclusion in the nation’s democratic processes.he largest Bangladeshi diaspora is located in Saudi Arabia. Besides, significant migrant communities are present in various Arab states of the Persian Gulf, particularly in the United Arab Emirates and Oman, where most Bangladeshis are employed as foreign workers.