Staff Reporter :
The interim government in Bangladesh has admitted it is unaware of the current status of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her visit to India, sparking concern over the implications for the country’s leadership.
A senior official from the government, who requested anonymity, stated, “We are not fully informed of ousted Prime Minister Hasina’s whereabouts or the purpose of her landing in India at this point. However, we expect to receive updates soon.”
This revelation has raised eyebrows within political circles in Dhaka, with some opposition members questioning the interim government’s capacity to handle the country’s affairs during such a crucial period. The uncertainty comes at a time when Bangladesh is preparing for its upcoming general elections, raising further tensions.
In a related development, the Bangladesh government has also sought the involvement of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to ensure the protection of the rights of millions of Bangladeshi migrants abroad.
During a meeting with IOM officials, Dhaka emphasised the need for a stronger role from the organisation in safeguarding the rights of millions of Bangladeshi workers residing in foreign countries.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment stated, “We are seeking greater collaboration with the IOM to address the challenges faced by Bangladeshi migrants, including exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and legal hurdles. Our goal is to ensure their rights are upheld and protected.”
The government is particularly concerned about the treatment of migrants in countries where labour laws are less favourable, and Dhaka hopes that IOM’s expertise will help mitigate these issues.
With around 10 million Bangladeshis working abroad, remittances sent home by these workers play a crucial role in the country’s economy.
Ensuring their welfare and rights remains a top priority for the government, especially as the country navigates a sensitive political climate leading up to the elections.