International Migrants Day 2022 will be observed tomorrow (Sunday) in the country in a befitting manner like elsewhere across the globe.
On that day in 1990, the UN assembly adopted the International Convention on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued a message greeting Bangladeshi migrants in different parts of the world on the eve of the day, reports BSS.
The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment has chalked out various programmes to observe the day.
The theme of the day in Bangladesh has been set as 'Thakbo Bhalo, Rakhbo Bhalo Desh; Baidho Pathe Prabashi Aay- Garbo Bangladesh'.
In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said immediately after gaining independence, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman created foreign employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers by establishing diplomatic relations with different countries of the world.
"As a result, today about 1.4 million Bangladeshis are working in 174 countries around the world. Their hard-earned remittances are making an important contribution to the socio-economic development of this country," she added.
Remittances sent by migrant workers have strengthened Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves and kept the wheels of the economy running even during the global crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, the premier said, adding that in the fiscal year 2021-22, about 966,339 workers got overseas jobs and Bangladesh received around US$21.03 billion remittance through legal channels.
Sheikh Hasina said the 2 per cent incentive on remittance has been increased to 2.5 per cent to encourage sending remittances through legal channels.
She wished all programmes of the day a success.
On December 4, 2000, the UN General Assembly, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, declared December 18 as International Migrants Day.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
