The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The government Monday decided that a number of measures would be taken to encourage export of labour from 'monga' areas of greater Rangpur to alleviate poverty.

The decision was taken at a meeting with Foreign Advisor Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury in the chair.

The decision is in line with 14-point package announced by Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed following an Advisory Council meeting at Rangpur on Saturday.

Iftekhar who is also the Adviser for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment told reporters that a steering committee would be set up headed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment to supervise this effort.

Representatives of Foreign Ministry, BMET, BOESL, Labour Ministry, Bangladesh Bank and Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) will be on the steering committee.

Iftekhar said that targeted poor would be provided credit support by NGO's and Banks. He said the Technical Training Centre (TTC) in Rangpur would be inaugurated soon, and the one in Lalmonirhat would be strengthened to upgrade skills of workers to meet international demand.

He said recruiting agents could also be given a quota for recruitment in Monga affected region.

The Adviser said it will be important to change the mindset of the people and the culture of the region so that overseas employment becomes more appealing to them.

He said already the existing actions of the government was bearing fruit and in 2007 nearly 10,000 workers went abroad from that area compared to less than 3000 the year before.