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Europe-based Bangladeshi expatriates have unveiled a 15-point charter urging the government to ensure dignity, protection, and fair treatment for migrant workers.

The demands were presented at a press conference on Saturday at the ERF auditorium in Dhaka, jointly organised by Jatiya Tarun Sangha (JTS), Worldwide Kaaba Foundation, and Europe Expatriate Bangladeshi.

Speaking on behalf of Bangladeshi migrants in Europe, Syed Riaz highlighted their economic importance, noting that Bangladesh received a record USD 30 billion in remittances last fiscal year. “Remittances account for nearly 45 per cent of import payments and strengthen our foreign reserves. Migrants are the backbone of our economy, yet they face harassment, neglect, and bureaucratic hurdles at home and abroad. This cannot continue,” he said.

The charter proposes measures including 24/7 embassy hotlines, tax-free facilities for expatriate investments, government-funded repatriation of deceased migrants, a special police unit for property protection, at least 5 per cent remittance incentives, health insurance for families, and inclusion in pension schemes.

Riaz urged swift government action, warning, “Ignoring migrants’ rights is a betrayal of the nation. Their contributions have kept our economy afloat.”