The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Adviser for Foreign Affairs Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, said here on Friday that the Kuwaiti authorities have assured him of every effort to resolve the problems faced by Bangladeshi workers there.

The Foreign Adviser, who is also in charge of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, returned here on Friday after a two-day visit to Kuwait, said a press release.

Dr Iftekhar held talks with the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mohamed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Labour Minister Bader Fahed Ali Al- Duwailah and other senior officials.

He had also held two rounds of discussions with the members of the Bangladeshi community.

"The Kuwait authorities assured me that a minimum wage of KD 40 is being fixed for workers. Their living conditions would be improved. The question of compensation of deported labourers would be speedily addressed and Kuwait will also take stern action against the companies who have exploited Bangladeshis", the Foreign Adviser said.

He also informed that the Kuwaiti Parliament will meet in an emergency session on September 10 to discuss the crisis with regard to foreign workers, including Asians and Bangladeshis. "In that respect the visit was well-timed," he added.

Dr Iftekhar Chowdhury further observed that the Kuwaiti authorities see Bangladesh as "a great friend who stood by them at the hour of their greatest need during the Iraqi occupation. I also appreciated their support to our economic development. I have urged them to take skilled manpower from Bangladesh in the future. They also agreed to consider supporting some new projects in Bangladesh covering the Padma Bridge, Chittagong Port, and the Special Economic Zone in Sylhet."

The Foreign Adviser also said that the Kuwait authorities have announced an amnesty till 15 October for illegal workers to depart Kuwait without any legal impediments.

"To facilitate the Mission's work in this regard, and also in response to public demand, we have decided to increase manpower at the Embassy. We have also engaged a Kuwaiti lawyer to look after our workers' interests. I had a meeting with him as well," Dr Iftekhar said.