Experts demand holistic approach in nat’l budget for migrants’ welfare
Speakers during an online pre-budget consultation today demanded the reflection of 'holistic approach' with inter-ministerial collaboration in the upcoming national budget for migrants' welfare.
Bangladesh Parliamentarians' Caucus on Migration and Development, Bangladesh Civil Society for Migrants (BCSM), and Warbe Development Foundation with support of British Council's project 'Prokas' and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation organised the consultation, said a press release issued by the caucus.
Barrister Shameem Haider Patwary, chairperson of the caucus, demanded to allocate more budget in respect of the expansion of skill development.
BCSM Chair Prof CR Abrar also focused strongly on expanding skill development knowledge.
Former foreign secretary Shahidul Haque indicated on the importance of political commitment regarding the wellbeing of migrant workers.
Anisul Islam Mahmud, chairman of the parliamentary committee on Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry, said proper allocation and dissemination of appropriate information should be a significant objective to enhance the current status of labour migration.
Lawmaker Tanvir Shakil Joy, member of the caucus, said the state is doing very little in comparison to the role of migrant workers in the country's development.
Bangladesh ambassador to Jordan Nahida Sobhan urged to integrate the activities of different ministries in national budget allocation process.
Ahmed Munirus Saleheen, secretary of Expatriates' Welfare Ministry, mentioned various initiatives of the ministry and said migration policy and actions should be collaborative and shared responsibilities.
Chairman of Warbe Syed Saiful Haque said that the objective of the initiative was to review the budget of the previous years and analyse where migrants' interests should have been incorporated.
Mahjabeen Khaled, former lawmaker and secretary general of the caucus, emphasised on the continuing efforts of the caucus to make a migration-friendly environment.
Moderated by Prof Tasneem Siddiqui, founding chair of Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit, the event was also addressed, among others, by economist Prof M Abu Eusuf and Shirin Lira of Prokas.
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