An investigation committee will be established to probe the distress faced by migrants heading to Malaysia, with measures to be taken against those responsible, announced Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury, the state minister of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.

“Legal actions will be taken against those found guilty,” Chowdhury stated during an interview with a private television channel on 1 June.

The state minister emphasized, “We had asked the agencies to provide a list of those going to Malaysia by 15 April, but they failed to give any list.”

He reassured that the government is committed to addressing issues of workers’ harassment. “If we receive a complaint, we will hold those responsible accountable and take action,” he added.

Chowdhury noted that the ministry had previously written to postpone the workers’ joining dates to their workplaces in Malaysia but has yet to receive a reply. “However, we are trying through our embassy,” he mentioned.

Thousands of aspiring migrant workers have faced uncertainty and distress as they tried to reach Malaysia before the 31 May deadline set by authorities in the destination country. This chaos has been attributed to mismanagement and dubious dealings by a syndicate of recruiting agencies.

Sector insiders indicate that the deadline has left over 10,000 aspiring migrants still waiting for flights. Many have been unable to secure tickets due to delays caused by recruiting agencies.

Shamim Ahmed Chowdhury Noman, former secretary-general of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (Baira), estimates that between 10,000 and 15,000 workers could not fly as of 30 May.

The situation has been exacerbated by the issuance of fake demand letters, leaving some workers stranded as their prospective employers face blacklisting by Malaysian authorities for corruption.

Additionally, airfare prices on Dhaka-Malaysia routes have surged to four times their regular rates, with workers now forced to pay over Tk1 lakh per ticket, compared to Tk30,000-40,000 six months ago.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina distributed relief materials to the victims of Cyclone Remal in Patuakhali district on 30 May.

The relief distribution event took place at Government Mojahar Uddin Biswas Degree College in Kolapara, organized by the district administration.

Earlier, the Prime Minister conducted an aerial survey of the Mathbaria and Pathorghata areas in Patuakhali district to assess the damage caused by the cyclone. She arrived at the helipad next to Khepupara Govt Model Secondary School in Kalapara at 12:20pm, following a one-and-a-half-hour helicopter ride from Dhaka.

Mathbaria and Pathorghata in Kalapara were severely affected when the cyclone hit the Bangladesh coast on Sunday, originating from the Bay of Bengal.

The Prime Minister’s helicopter flew low over the affected areas, allowing her to closely inspect the devastation caused by tidal surges and heavy rains that washed away embankments, fish farms, and toppled houses and trees along the coast.

The cyclone resulted in at least 16 deaths and numerous injuries, despite a significant evacuation effort to cyclone shelters, which was closely monitored by the Prime Minister from Dhaka.

Following the relief distribution, Sheikh Hasina visited the Shaheed Sheikh Kamal Bridge on the Patuakhali-Kuakata road. She then met with divisional level officials to review the relief operations and discuss the immediate rehabilitation needs of the affected population.

Concluding her day-long visit to the region, the Prime Minister is scheduled to return to Dhaka at 3pm.

Cyclone Remal claimed lives and caused extensive damage, destroying over 35,000 homes and seriously affecting more than 3.7 million people across 19 districts. The storm made landfall near Khepupara in Patuakhali, with wind speeds reaching up to 130kmph on Sunday evening.

In Patuakhali alone, around 327,000 people were affected, with 235 houses completely destroyed and 1,865 partially damaged, according to official sources. The agricultural sector suffered losses exceeding Tk 260 million, while the fishery sector’s losses were estimated at over Tk 280 million.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared today that Bangladesh has become a role model in global peacekeeping, urging for the cessation of ongoing wars and advocating for dialogue to resolve conflicts, redirecting funds from arms races to human welfare.

“Bangladesh is a dependable name in the efforts of protecting peace and safety alongside establishing global peace. We are acknowledged by all and have become a role model on the global stage,” she stated.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing an event at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2024.

She noted that 6,092 Bangladeshi peacekeepers, including 493 women, are serving with distinction in 13 UN peacekeeping missions.

“Our peacekeepers are working with fame and glory,” she said, adding that heads of state and government where Bangladeshi peacekeepers are deployed have highly praised their efforts.

“I feel really proud hearing the appreciation,” she continued.

Sheikh Hasina emphasized that Bangladesh follows the ideals of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in its pursuit of global peace.

“We are actively participating in other international forums alongside the UN peacekeeping missions to establish global peace,” she said.

She recalled that Bangladesh’s “Culture of Peace” proposal was unanimously adopted by the UN in 1999, leading to the declaration of the year 2000 as the “International Year of the Culture of Peace.”

The Prime Minister highlighted Bangabandhu’s role as an envoy of peace and a voice for the oppressed, which earned him the “Joliot Curie Peace Medal” on May 23, 1973.

Sheikh Hasina commended Bangladeshi peacekeepers for their dedication to protecting civilians, human rights, and establishing peace globally, noting that they have shared Bangladeshi culture and language with the communities they serve.

“The people of those countries have given you untold love and affection,” she said.

“Overall, our professionalism, efficiency, and commitment in establishing global peace have set an example for others,” she continued, urging peacekeepers to continue their efforts to enhance Bangladesh’s reputation further.

She paid tribute to the 168 Bangladeshi peacekeepers who lost their lives and the 266 who were severely injured in the line of duty.

Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed, Senior Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, and United Nations Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis also spoke at the event. The program began with a minute of silence to honor the fallen peacekeepers.

A video documentary showcasing the achievements of Bangladeshi peacekeepers in UN missions was screened, and the Prime Minister handed out awards to three injured peacekeepers.