Mustafa Monon, a writer and filmmaker who convenes Probash, said the government must ensure justice for Bangladeshi workers facing trials abroad.
TBS Report
25 October, 2026, 05:25 pm
Last modified: 25 October, 2026, 05:31 pm
An expatriate rights organisation has submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, demanding stronger protection for Bangladeshi migrant workers, investigations into allegations of abuse and justice for citizens facing legal proceedings abroad.
Bangladesh Expatriate Rights Organisation (Probash) held a human chain in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka at 12:30pm yesterday before submitting the memorandum.
The organisation called for stronger safeguards for migrant workers, investigations into allegations of torture and harassment, and coordinated assistance for Bangladeshis facing difficulties overseas, according to a press release.
Mustafa Monon, a writer and filmmaker who convenes Probash, said the government must ensure justice for Bangladeshi workers facing trials abroad.
"Bangladeshi workers facing trials abroad must receive justice, and the government must ensure that," he said.
He said 980 female workers had returned to Bangladesh over the past nine months after allegedly suffering brutal abuse in Saudi Arabia, with some returning pregnant. Probash demanded state compensation for the women and official recognition for children born as a result of the alleged abuse.
Trina Islam, a physician and coordinator of Probash, called for scrutiny of Bangladeshi embassies' performance in protecting citizens abroad.
Hasnat Kadir, the organisation's media coordinator, said expatriate Bangladeshis make significant contributions through remittances, but their rights must not be neglected.
"The country must not become dependent on remittances while neglecting the rights of the people who earn them," he said.
The demonstrators demanded impartial investigations into abuse allegations, remedies for rights violations and fair trials in cases involving severe penalties, including the death sentence. They also called for legal and consular assistance and diplomatic intervention when Bangladeshis face difficulties abroad.
Probash said it would also submit the memorandum to the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Prime Minister's Office.
The programme was jointly organised with the South Asian Accountability Network for Democracy (SAND), with research support from medical research organisation Scholaro. Demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans, including "We demand safety for workers abroad" and "We demand answers for torture and death sentences".