Bangladesh Minister Calls for Migrant Worker Protections

Millions of migrant workers around the world face exploitation, discrimination, and unsafe conditions far from home. Now Bangladesh is pushing the United Nations to do more to protect them.

Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Bangladesh's Expatriates' Welfare Minister, co-chaired a major roundtable discussion at the International Migration Review Forum in New York on Wednesday. He delivered a powerful message that's resonating across borders.

"Migrant workers should not be viewed merely as usable labour, but as people entitled to rights and dignity," Ariful told the international gathering. His country knows this reality well, with millions of Bangladeshi workers sending money home from jobs abroad.

The minister called out the most vulnerable groups facing the highest risks. Domestic workers, agricultural laborers, and those in informal sectors often work without legal protections or safety nets.

Ariful outlined practical solutions that countries can implement together. He emphasized building better data systems to track migration patterns, creating multi-service centers to provide information at every stage of a worker's journey, and launching digital platforms to connect migrants with resources.

He also tackled a growing problem: misinformation and xenophobia targeting migrants. Ariful stressed the need for digital literacy programs and inclusive public dialogue to counter false narratives about migration.

The Ripple Effect

When migrant workers are protected, everyone benefits. Families back home receive reliable support, host countries gain productive workers who contribute to local economies, and entire communities become safer and more stable.

Bangladesh's push for a "whole-of-government and whole-of-society" approach recognizes that migration isn't just a policy issue. It's about human beings seeking better lives while maintaining their dignity and safety.

The minister's call for stronger bilateral cooperation reflects a growing recognition that no country can manage migration alone. Sharing best practices, coordinating protections across borders, and holding employers accountable requires nations working together.

With millions of people crossing borders for work each year, the stakes couldn't be higher. Bangladesh's leadership at the UN forum signals hope that international cooperation can transform migration from a source of vulnerability into an engine of opportunity for all.