EU urges Dhaka to stop illegal migration

The European Union has urged the Bangladesh government to take necessary measures for preventing illegal migration of its citizens to EU countries.

"He (European ambassador in Dhaka) spoke to me about illegal migration of Bangladeshis," Khandker Mosharraf Hossain, expatriates' welfare and overseas employment minister, told reporters yesterday.  

Mosharraf Hossain made the remark after emerging from a meeting with EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation in Dhaka Pierre Mayaudon at the minister's office in the capital.

Without elaborating on "reasons" why some Bangladeshis stay illegally in European countries, the minister said they might be victims of circumstance.

Replying to a query about the present status of Bangladeshi expatriates in Italy and Greece, he said the two European countries were aware of the difficulties Bangladeshis living there were facing and that they would provide assistance in this regard.

The minister also mentioned that the EU was interested in creating a skilled Bangladeshi workforce though proper training.

Meanwhile, a six member delegation led by Mosharraf is scheduled to leave for Qatar today to discuss manpower export to the Middle Eastern country.