TUCSAA Calls for Greater Transparency and Accountability in Labour Migration

The Trade Union-Civil Society Action Alliance (TUCSAA) has called for greater transparency, accountability and effective reforms in Bangladesh’s labour migration system to ensure the rights and safety of migrant workers. The organization made the call at a press conference held at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Monday (August 10), where it also released a declaration.

TUCSAA said the success of labour migration should not be measured solely by the number of workers sent abroad. Their safety, fair recruitment, workplace rights and dignity, as well as access to justice in cases of rights violations, must also be considered.

The organization expressed concern over exploitation and irregularities faced by Bangladeshi workers in labour markets including Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. It also highlighted concerns over the safety of workers involved in preparations for the FIFA World Cup, recruitment syndicates in Malaysia and stagnation in key labour markets.

TUCSAA called for clear and effective bilateral labour agreements instead of general memorandums of understanding. Such agreements should clearly define responsibilities regarding recruitment, wages, working conditions, occupational safety, workers’ rights, complaints and dispute resolution.

The organization also called for reducing migration costs, ensuring transparency in recruitment, strengthening oversight and establishing accessible complaint mechanisms for migrant workers. It urged greater investment in skills development and improving the capacity of technical training centres to meet the demands of international labour markets.

At the event, the declaration was presented by Nasrin Akter Dina. The programme was chaired by Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, executive director of the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies. TUCSAA convener Shakil Akhtar Chowdhury, adviser Syed Saiful Haque and BOAF chairman Riaz Uddin Khan were also present.