The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The striking Bangladeshi workers in Kuwait have returned to work and the situation there is now peaceful, an official Handout said on Sunday quoting Bangladesh Mission in Kuwait.

About 80,000 Bangladeshi workers of 23 companies withdrew the strike and joined their work following the efforts of the Bangladesh Embassy, according to the handout.

The Embassy is maintaining round-the-clock contact with Kuwait Labour Department, and Kuwait Foreign Ministry to ease the release of arrested workers and ensure the minimum wages for the workers.

The Kuwait Authorities have already directed the companies to pay the minimum wages and warned them of tough actions in case of any failure.

The authorities also directed the law enforcing agencies not to arrest or harass any worker who was not involved in violence.

The Kuwait Labour Department assured Bangladesh Embassy that the dues of the deported workers would be paid through the Embassy.

A total of 850 Bangladeshi workers were arrested for resorting to violence. They were arrested on the basis of video footage and intelligence report. Later, the Kuwait Cabinet decided to deport them, the handout says and added 400 workers have already been released.

The Chief of Bangladesh Mission in Kuwait held a meeting with Kuwait Foreign Ministry acting Under Secretary Mohammad Ahmed Al- Mejran Al-Roomi and requested him to take measures for payment of the dues of the deported workers.

In reply, he assured that effective steps would be taken in this regard following discussion with the Kuwati Home and Labor Ministries.

Acting Foreign Secretary AKM Mahmud has also sent a letter to the Kuwaity Under Secretary requesting him to take necessary steps to resolve the problems of Bangladeshi workers soon.

He also requested to release the arrested workers and allow them to join their work instead of deporting them to Bangladesh.

The handout said all workers have requested to join work, if they are yet to do so.

The Foreign Ministry and the Mission in Kuwait have taken timely steps to protect the interest of 2.4 lakh workers, says the handout.

The Foreign Adviser is always maintaining contact with the Mission in Kuwait and all efforts on behalf of the government are continuing to resolve the present crisis. Cooperation of all is sought in this regard, the handout added.