11.66 lakh female Bangladeshi workers employed abroad: Minister

A total of 11.66 lakh female migrant workers have gone to different countries of the world so far.

Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Imran Ahmad said this in Parliament on Wednesday replying to a query of ruling Awami League MP Adiba Anjum Mita.

He said that among the countries with high demand for female  workers abroad are Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Mauritius, Lebanon and Bahrain.

“Government‍‍`s vigilance and initiatives continue to ensure that women migrant workers do not suffer any discrimination,” the minister said.

Imran Ahmad added that there are a total of 6 safe zones in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman and Lebanon in a bid to protect women migrant workers.

In response to Jatiya Party MP Syed Abu Hossain‍‍`s question, the minister minister said that 4 lakh 53 thousand 337 workers have been employed abroad in different countries till October of the current financial year.

He also said that 11 lakh 25 thousand 825 people were sent to different countries in the last financial year of 2022-23.

In reply to AL MP Morshed Alam‍‍`s question, State Minister for Disaster Management Enamur Rahman said that the government has spent Tk 9,376 crore for the Rohingya in the last six years since 2017.

In addition, the amount of loss of forest resources and possible loss of biodiversity caused by natural forest and social forestry is Tk 204.67 crore.

He said that according to the joint verification data of the Bangladesh government and the UNHCR, 9,34,719 people are living in 33 camps of Ukhia and Teknaf upazilas of Cox‍‍`s Bazar district and 30,748 people are living in Bhashan Char of Noakhali.

Besides, 26,165 Rohingyas are waiting for the verification process.

Therefore, a total of 9.91 lakh Rohingya refugees are living in Bangladesh, he said.