NID, voting rights, and parliamentary representation

Bangladeshi expatriates have called on the government to ensure the issuance of National Identity Cards (NID) and voting rights for all expatriates and their family members through Bangladeshi embassies abroad.

This was the key demand in a 17-point charter presented at a seminar titled "Issues Facing Expatriate Bangladeshis", organised by the All-European Bangladeshi Community (Great Britain) at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday.

They also called for the repatriation of Bangladeshi workers imprisoned abroad through government initiatives.

They demanded that at least six parliamentary seats be allocated for expatriates to ensure their representation in the National Parliament.

They also demanded introducing a legal and administrative system allowing expatriates to vote in national elections via embassies, postal services, or online platforms. They emphasised that, as citizens, they should be included in the democratic process.

Other demands included protecting the families and properties of migrants in Bangladesh and introducing financial support schemes like insurance, widows' allowance, education grants, and medical benefits for families of deceased, injured, or ill migrants.

They also urged the government to provide pre-departure insurance for contract-based workers.

To help returning migrants contribute to national development, the speakers proposed setting up industrial zones at the upazila level for investment and entrepreneurship.

They also called for policy reforms to reduce bureaucratic red tape and ensure investment protection for expatriates.

The session was chaired by Mohammad Abdul Jalil Khan, general secretary of the All-European Bangladeshi Community (Great Britain).

Speakers included Ayub Bhuiyan, general secretary of the National Press Club; AKM Mohsin, vice president of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists; Mominul Momen Shikdar (France representative); Mokhlesur Rahman (Greece representative); Mostaq Mannan (Germany representative); and Kawsar Mahmud (Switzerland representative).