Published:  12:05 AM, 13 January 2025

Harsh Realities of Migrant Life: Unspoken Stories of Sacrifice, Disrespect and Struggle

Harsh Realities of Migrant Life: Unspoken Stories of Sacrifice, Disrespect and Struggle


Mir Abdul Alim

On January 9, at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, four Bangladeshi-origin Norwegian citizens and one Bangladeshi migrant were harassed. One of them was physically assaulted and left bleeding. The incident is allegedly carried out by members of the Air Force's Quick Response Force (QRF) and the Ansar Force. Such incidents frequently occur at airports. The harassment of Bangladeshi migrants and Norwegian citizens is deeply concerning and can severely tarnish the international reputation of Bangladesh. Such occurrences could create unrest not only for Bangladeshi expatriates but also for foreign nationals, potentially harming the country’s international relations.

It is crucial to identify the root cause of such incidents. Often, this violence may stem from inconsistent administrative systems, incompetent staff behavior, or misunderstandings. However, this serves as an extreme example, and repeated occurrences of such incidents highlight deficiencies in airport security, staff behavior, and training. This should serve as a major alert for the authorities to take immediate action to ensure services meet international standards. If these incidents continue, image of the country will be damaged, and erode trust among foreign nationals, ultimately threatening Bangladesh's international standing. Maintaining country's image and diplomatic relations requires active efforts to prevent such occurrences.

Migrant workers, however, face challenges not only at airports, they also suffer constantly. It is important to discuss these issues in detail. The migrant life, though just a term, holds profound meaning. It is not merely about residing in a foreign country, but about a unique form of sacrifice. Every year, millions of people from Bangladesh travel abroad in search for a better life. Among them are laborers, professionals, and entrepreneurs. All of them dream of bringing smiles to their families and contributing to their own and the nation's development. However, the life of a migrant is far from easy. While it opens doors to opportunities, it also requires enduring numerous challenges and hardships.

The life of a migrant is not just about personal struggle; it reflects the socio-economic realities of Bangladesh. Their hard work, sacrifice, and financial contributions serve as the backbone of the nation's economy. However, the societal perceptions they face and the injustices and discrimination they endure warrant a deep reflection.

Hardships and Sacrifices of Migrants:

When a migrant leaves behind their home, family, and familiar surroundings to go abroad, a new chapter of their life begins. This chapter is not only about work or earning money but also about struggle. Language barriers, cultural differences, and adapting to a new environment are daily challenges for migrants. Particularly in regions like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe, Bangladeshi workers earn their livelihood through hard physical labor. They work in sectors such as construction, sanitation, agriculture, and domestic service. They endure long working hours, harsh weather, and unsafe working environments, often sacrificing their health in the process. Beyond physical strain, mental distress is also a constant companion. The pain of being away from loved ones, the pressure to meet family needs, and the lack of certain comforts in a foreign land can severely impact their mental health. Yet, they continue working for the country and their families, sacrificing their own well-being.

Expectations of Families and the Reality of Migrants:

A common misconception about migrants is that they earn large sums of money and live lavish lives. This is an unfair perception. The reality is that a significant portion of their earnings goes towards supporting their families, repaying debts, and investing in the future. Often, migrants are overwhelmed by the financial demands placed upon them by their families—parents, siblings, and relatives.

They sacrifice their own needs to fulfill these demands. Sometimes, the money sent is misused, leading to financial losses for the migrant. It is also common for migrants to fall victim to fraud when sending money for land purchases or business investments, only to return home and find that the money has been mismanaged. As a result, they often return to find themselves financially ruined.

Challenges in Family Life:

Another significant aspect of the migrant experience is its impact on family life. When a migrant is away from home for an extended period, personal relationships start to drift apart. Many migrants report that their spouses take advantage of their long absence and engage in extramarital affairs. This not only creates division in family life but also disturbs the mental peace and stability of the migrant. The relationship with children is also affected. Children, deprived of their father's affection, can experience emotional distress.

Contribution of Migrants to the Economy:

Migrant workers' remittances play an enormous role in strengthening Bangladesh’s economy. According to data from 2024, foreign remittances account for more than 7% of Bangladesh's GDP. These workers earn foreign currency and bolster the national economy. Yet, these “remittance warriors” are often overlooked. They face harassment, unnecessary questioning, and rude treatment at airports when returning home. Their hardships are not acknowledged, even though they are a key driving force behind the country’s development.

The society and state must change their outlook towards migrants. Their sacrifices and struggles must be recognized, and effective steps must be taken to address their problems.

Respectful Treatment: Migrants should be treated with respect in every sector, especially at airports.

Economic Security: A robust system is needed for the proper management and security of the remittances sent by migrants.

Mental Health Services: Specialized services should be introduced to improve the mental health of migrants.

Raising Awareness Among Families: Migrant families must be made aware of their loved ones' struggles and sacrifices, encouraging responsible behavior towards them.

Improving Remittance Management: The banking system should be made more efficient and transparent to facilitate easy, hassle-free remittance transfers.

Migrants’ remittances are an indispensable pillar of Bangladesh's economy. According to the World Bank, remittances directly help reduce poverty. It provides financial stability to poor families and improves their standard of living. This money is used for building homes, securing children's education, and ensuring healthcare. Remittances also create investment opportunities within the country. Many migrants invest their savings in businesses or small entrepreneurial projects in Bangladesh, creating job opportunities and boosting the local economy.

The contribution of migrants to the economy is immense, yet their efforts often go unrecognized. Even upon their return, they are subjected to harassment. The incident at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on January 9 is just one example. Such mistreatment undermines their morale. Despite their sacrifices, these individuals’ contributions to the country's economy and society are often undervalued.

How to Improve the Situation for Migrants:

Simplify Banking Processes: The process of sending remittances should be made easier, more affordable, and faster for migrants.

Increase Incentives: The government can provide more incentives for sending remittances, such as reducing transaction fees or offering tax benefits.

Ensure Worker Protection: Efforts must be made to ensure the safety and protection of migrant workers and safeguard their rights through diplomatic initiatives.

Create Investment Opportunities: Attractive investment projects should be created for migrants to invest their savings in. Special economic zones could be set up for this purpose.

Conclusion:
Migrant life is not just a tale of suffering; it is a shining example of sacrifice, struggle, and patriotism. The money they send strengthens the economy, yet their personal lives are often fraught with hardship. Our responsibility is to understand their pain, recognize their sacrifices, and show them the respect they deserve. Honoring migrants is not just honoring them, but also honoring the future of the nation. Migrants are indeed the silent heroes of Bangladesh’s economy. Their remittances play a crucial role in economic growth. We must ensure that our attitudes toward them are respectful and that the government as well as society, collectively work to secure their welfare.


Mir Abdul Alim is a journalist,
social researcher and General
Secretary, Columnist Forum
of Bangladesh.



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