Published: 11:59 PM, 11 August 2026
Expatriate Bangladeshis Deserve Honour in Airports When They Return Home
Every year, millions of Bangladeshis travel abroad in search of employment, education and a better future for their families. A large number of them work in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America and other parts of the world. They spend months and years away from their loved ones, often performing difficult and physically demanding jobs. When these expatriate Bangladeshis return home, they should be received with dignity, respect and honour at the country's airports.
Unfortunately, the experience of many expatriate workers at Bangladeshi airports has often been far from satisfactory. Instead of feeling that they are valued citizens returning to their homeland, some passengers face long queues, poor services, unnecessary delays, discourteous behaviour and, in some cases, harassment. Such treatment is deeply disappointing for people who contribute significantly to the country's economy.
Expatriate Bangladeshis are not merely travellers. They are important contributors to the national economy. Every year, they send billions of dollars in remittances to Bangladesh. These remittances support millions of families, improve living standards and strengthen the country's foreign-exchange reserves. The money earned through their hard work abroad helps finance education, healthcare, housing and small businesses at home. Their contribution is therefore closely connected with the country's economic stability and development.
Behind every remittance is usually a story of sacrifice. Many migrant workers spend years in unfamiliar countries, separated from their parents, spouses and children. Some work under difficult weather conditions and endure long working hours. Others face loneliness, cultural barriers and various workplace challenges. Despite these difficulties, they continue working and sending money home. Their contribution deserves recognition, not indifference.
Airports are often the first and last points of contact between expatriate Bangladeshis and their own country. The treatment they receive there creates a powerful impression of how the nation values them. A welcoming airport can make a returning worker feel proud and respected. In contrast, rude behaviour, administrative inefficiency or unnecessary complications can make them feel humiliated in their own homeland.
The authorities should therefore take practical steps to improve the airport experience for expatriate passengers. Immigration and customs procedures should be efficient, transparent and respectful. Dedicated assistance desks could be established for migrant workers, particularly for elderly passengers, women, first-time travellers and people who may have difficulty communicating. Airport employees should receive regular training in customer service and professional conduct. There should also be an effective mechanism for passengers to report misconduct or harassment. Complaints must be investigated promptly, and appropriate action should be taken against anyone found abusing their position. Transparency and accountability are essential if public confidence is to be restored.
Special recognition can also be introduced at airports. Returning expatriate workers could be welcomed through designated reception areas, information counters or occasional appreciation programmes. Even a simple message of gratitude from airport authorities could have a meaningful psychological impact. The purpose is not to provide unnecessary privileges but to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of citizens who have worked abroad for the benefit of their families and country.
At the same time, expatriate Bangladeshis also have responsibilities. They should obey airport regulations, respect officials and other passengers, and cooperate with security procedures. Honour and respect should work both ways. However, professionalism from airport authorities is particularly important because government employees represent the country and its institutions.
The government has repeatedly emphasised the importance of remittances and the welfare of migrant workers. Such commitments should not remain limited to speeches or policy documents. They should be reflected in the everyday experiences of expatriate Bangladeshis, especially when they arrive at the country's airports.
A nation should value those who contribute to its progress. Expatriate Bangladeshis leave their families and homeland not because they do not love Bangladesh, but often because they want to build a better future for their families and contribute to the country's economy. Their hard-earned remittances have become an important pillar of Bangladesh's economic strength.
When they return home, they deserve more than a passport stamp and a baggage trolley. They deserve a smile, efficient service, security, dignity and a sincere “Welcome home.” Treating expatriate Bangladeshis with honour at airports would be a small but powerful expression of national gratitude. After all, those who sacrifice abroad for the welfare of Bangladesh deserve to feel respected when they finally come home.
Nasir Uddin Shah is Chief Reporter
at The Asian Age.
