5 Arab Countries: Petition seeks ban on sending female workers

A writ petition has been filed with the High Court, seeking its directive on the authorities concerned for not sending female workers to five Middle Eastern countries without ensuring their legal rights and protection.

The five countries are Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria.

Razia Khatun, a resident of Cox’s Bazar, whose son became a victim of human trafficking, recently submitted the petition to the HC.

The petition also sought its order on the government to form a tribunal under the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012 in order to penalise traffickers.

Writ petitioner’s lawyer Advocate Zaman Akhter Bulbul told The Daily Star that there is a law in the country to prevent trafficking, but legal and fundamental rights of women have not been established due to lack of its enforcement.

Huge number of female workers are returning to the country but no steps have been taken to rehabilitate and compensate them, he said citing the petition.

Advocate Zaman said the HC may hold a hearing on the petition today.