In a heartfelt acknowledgment of their invaluable contributions, the country is set to honour its expatriate workers with a new lounge at the Dhaka airport designed to make their journeys more comfortable.
Recognized as the true architects of national progress, these workers played a pivotal role in the July-August uprising, and the nation remains deeply grateful for their tireless efforts.
In a landmark initiative, Chief Adviser (CA) Prof Muhammad Yunus officially inaugurated the first-ever Probashi Lounge for Bangladesh’s migrant workers at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka on Monday.
This dedicated space aims to provide migrant workers with a comfortable resting area and subsidised food options, making their travel experience more pleasant and rewarding.
Officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) said that the newly launched Probashi Lounge marks a significant milestone in recognizing the crucial role played by Bangladesh’s expatriate workers in the country’s economy.
The lounge is open for migrant workers returning home as well as those who are preparing to travel abroad for work.
Speaking at the inauguration, Prof Yunus expressed his deep appreciation for the migrant workers, who he described as the architects of the nation’s economic growth.
He highlighted their contributions during the July uprising and the ongoing importance of their hard work and sacrifice. “These workers are not just building their own futures; they are helping to shape the future of our nation,” he said
In his speech, full of optimism and pride, Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus shared his thoughts on the significant progress made for the welfare of expatriate workers. He noted that it had only been three months since the current government took office, yet they had already begun a new chapter for the country’s migrant workers.
In his address during the inauguration of the lounge, Dr Muhammad Yunus highlighted several initiatives the government has undertaken to improve the lives of expatriates and streamline their travel experience. “We want expatriates to feel like honoured guests at the airport, receiving the respect and service they truly deserve,” he said.
To make the travel process even more convenient, Dr Yunus unveiled plans for the introduction of e-passports for expatriates. These digital passports will allow workers to access their travel documents directly from their smartphones, eliminating the need for time-consuming visits to government offices.
“The passport will come to your phone,” Yunus added, emphasizing the ease and accessibility the new system will bring to workers.
The move to implement e-passports is expected to significantly reduce the bureaucratic hurdles that expatriates often face, making it easier for them to travel both in and out of the country. By modernising the passport issuance process, the government is taking a proactive step toward reducing the challenges faced by migrant workers, many of whom must navigate complex administrative systems far from home.
“The government is committed to ensuring that expatriates are not only valued for their contributions but also treated with dignity and respect at every step of their journey,” Dr Yunus said.
With these new measures, including the launch of the Probashi Lounge and the upcoming introduction of e-passports, the government is setting a new standard in providing for the needs of expatriates.
The chief adviser addressed the expatriates, saying: “The respect that you truly deserve, may the nation be able to give it to you. As the first step in providing that respect, today we are inaugurating the Probashi Lounge. I hope that many more steps will be taken in the future.”
Dr Yunus said: “When you come here, you feel at peace, as though you are at home, that everyone is taking care of you, serving you. In other words, you will stay here as a guest, with respect.”
He added: “This effort is to ensure that you receive the respect you deserve. What has started today can be used in many ways.”
Expressing regret over the lack of proper respect and service for expatriates at airports, the Chief Adviser remarked: “The country runs because of you. You should be treated with the utmost respect. Why should you be made to feel like criminals? The attitude seems to be that you’re making money for yourselves. What does it matter to us?”
Emphasising the importance of properly utilising the money earned by expatriates, the head of the interim government said: “The money that expatriates earn is coming to Bangladesh, for Bangladesh. Expatriates work hard to earn money. But unfortunately, this hard-earned money is sometimes being funnelled abroad by others. This is our misfortune. We need to change that, and ensure that the money earned in our country stays in our country and benefits our nation.”
Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus highlighted the personal experiences that motivated the creation of the facility for expatriates. He referred to Expatriate Welfare Adviser Asif Nazrul, stating: “Both of us have experienced the need for such a facility during our travels abroad.”
Dr Yunus went on to explain that the airport is a place used by everyone, including himself, and that it deeply concerns him to witness the struggles expatriates endure during their travels. “The airport is a place we all have to use. I too have to travel frequently. It pains me greatly when I see the difficulties expatriates face while travelling,” he said.
By inaugurating the Probashi Lounge, the government hopes to ease the challenges faced by migrant workers and provide them with a more comfortable and respectful experience as they travel through one of the busiest airports in the region.
Dhaka Airport Director Kamrul Islam told Dhaka Tribune: “On behalf of the Civil Aviation Authorities and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), I would like to express our deep honor in serving the respected remittance earners of Bangladesh, who play a crucial role in supporting our nation’s economy. Their dedication and hard work abroad strengthen our country’s financial foundation, and we take immense pride in facilitating their journeys home.”
He added: “The initiative by the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to introduce a dedicated lounge for remittance earners at HSIA, available at a reasonable and subsidized rate, is a commendable step. This lounge will enhance the airport experience for these valued passengers, recognizing and honouring their contributions.”
Kamrul Islam further said: “We are also pleased to share that a spacious resting and waiting area will soon be arranged within the multi-level car parking area. This new facility will provide travellers who arrive early at the airport with a comfortable space to spend their last few hours with family and friends.”
Additionally, 54 people are working on behalf of the Airport Authority and CAAB to provide round-the-clock free services to usher and assist passengers with airport formalities.
