The New Nation - Internet Edition

Professor M Zahidul Haque

KSA seems to becoming another USA - atleast in visa matters! On March 26,2008 I was terribly shocked to learn from a Press report that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(KSA) will no longer recruit Bangladeshi workers in the housing and agriculture sectors. Saudi Arabian Labour Minister Gazi Al-Gosabi reportedly said-"The decision was taken in view of the fact that the quota fixed for Bangladeshi workers in the Kingdom was over". Good! Is this quota is like those of the US DV quotas?!

In reality, by hiring Bangladeshi workers, the KSA is not only solving unemployment problem but helping their muslim Bangladeshi brothers led a better and honest life. Since Allah has given wealth to KSA, it becomes their religious and moral obligation to help the muslims of the world who have less wealth. And the Bangladeshi and other workers are earning through selling their hard labor. Of course if a Bangladeshi worker breaks law or undermines his own status, he deserves to be punished as per law. The Bangladesh govt. should also take legal action against such an offender. What I heard is, language is the problem. Since most Bangladeshi workers are less literate, in most cases they fail to follow Arabic and English. I think, this problem can easily be overcomed if Saudi Government can set up Arabic Language Teaching Centres in some major cities of Bangladesh including capital Dhaka. This Arabic Language Teaching Centres can also provide some elementary instructions on communicative English.If we look at the English speaking countries like the United Kingdom, the British Council has set up English Language Teaching Centre for helping Bangladeshis learn English before leaving for the UK on account of education,job, or other purposes.At the same time, the KSA authorities should also take appropriate measures to let their general employees engaged in public service learn English and other international languages.

We in Bangladesh greatly admire the Saudi King and his kingdom.Royal Highness Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud is the custodian of two holy mosques. In a time when some vested quarters are trying to undermine Islamic culture, norms and values, the Saudi King has a great responsibility of guiding the entire muslim world through his prudence and leadership. Islam is a religion of peace and the muslims are very much conscious about leading their life by differentiating between what is 'right' and what is 'wrong' as per the instructions of the holy Quran. A muslim in his right path cannot hurt anyone's feelings, be he muslim or non-muslim.

By providing employment to Bangladeshi and other muslims, the KSA is helping and encouraging muslims to live on 'Halal'(legitimate) income. Meanwhile it is unfortunate that although Bangladesh has a huge number of highly qualified and skilled professionals, the KSA is less interested to hire Bangladeshis for higher jobs. What I strongly believe, if KSA asks to participate in their nation building works, many Bangladeshis including this writer will move, no matter whether in employment or just as muslim brothers to help their Saudi muslim brothers.

What I feel and many other will approve that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should emerge as one of the super powers of the world rich in knowledge and scientific excellence! But to accomplish this goal, the King need to come closer to the people, muslims in particular and others in general. The king's palace and all the royals need to take active part in literacy enhancement as well as ensuring common Saudis' access to education as per the demand of the time.

[Prof. M Zahidul Haque is Chairman, Department of Agricultural Extension & Information System, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University,Dhaka]