Govt mulls special courts for expatriates in divisional cities: Law minister

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Tuesday said the government is preparing to form special tribunals for expatriate workers in divisional cities across the country to assist them in finding legal remedies.

"The government has already arranged legal assistance for expatriates through a hotline number of the Directorate of the Legal Aid. We have labour courts. Now, we are working to establish special courts or tribunals for expats in divisional headquarters so that they can get legal resolution easily," he said while addressing the 30-year Celebration of RMMRU (Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit) at a hotel in the capital.

The minister said if the proposal cannot be placed at the next session of the parliament, it will surely be passed in the session after that.

"The expat workers are the backbone of Bangladesh's economy. Despite working tirelessly, they are deprived of due wage they deserve. They are also victims of deception. The expat ministry should address these issues," he added.

State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur, RMMRU Executive Director Dr CR Abrar, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Switzerland Diepak Elmer, Action Aid Country Director Farah Kabir, RMMRU Deputy Executive Director Motasim Billah, among others, addressed the programme.