Foreign Adviser Urges Solving Expat Issues Before Departure

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Friday emphasised the need to address the challenges faced by Bangladeshi expatriates from within the country, noting that 80 percent of the issues encountered by migrant workers originate from home, not abroad, before they leave Bangladesh.

He pointed out that although the remaining 20 percent of problems occur in destination countries, Bangladesh's missions abroad manage the full range of issues, apparently placing an overwhelming pressure on limited resources.

The Adviser made the remarks while speaking at a programme, marking Foreign Service Day 2025 at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

Foreign Service Day commemorates a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history.

On this day in 1971, Bangladeshi diplomats and staff stationed in Kolkata took over the Pakistan Deputy High Commission, raised the Bangladesh national flag, and established the country’s first diplomatic mission abroad — a symbolic step in asserting the nation’s independence and sovereignty.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and former Ambassador Humayun Kabir, who delivered the keynote address, also spoke at the event.

Adviser Hossain highlighted that Bangladesh missions across the globe, despite operating with limited manpower and resources, provide essential services to nearly 10 million Bangladeshi expatriates.

Citing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as an example, he noted that approximately 3.2 million Bangladeshis reside there.

Even if all of them abide by local laws, many still face various difficulties, he said.

"With only around 50 officials and staff members at the mission in Saudi Arabia, how can we expect them to resolve the problems of over a million people?" he posed a question.

He reiterated the importance of addressing root causes from Dhaka to ease the burden on missions abroad.

Addressing his colleagues, the Adviser stressed that most expatriates do not visit missions by choice but out of necessity, often under difficult circumstances.

"There may be a few troublemakers, but the majority come seeking help after enduring significant hardship," he said, urging mission staff to serve with empathy and dedication.

He also noted that steps are being taken to expand the workforce, especially in consulate general offices, to better serve the growing expatriate population.

"While our officials face their own challenges, the struggles of our expatriates are often far greater," Hossain added.

Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin said the Foreign Service Day is not only about honoring the past but also about reaffirming a commitment to the future.

"This is not just a job—it is a responsibility to uphold the dignity of our nation," he said, calling for collective efforts rooted in honesty and professionalism.

Former Ambassador Humayun Kabir reflected on the significance of the day, noting the original dream of a democratic, discrimination-free Bangladesh and acknowledging that the pursuit of that vision continues.

Former diplomats and senior Foreign Ministry officials cut a cake to mark the occasion, reports UNB.