A group of Bangladeshi migrant workers continued their demonstration for second consecutive day demanding tickets to join their workplaces in Saudi Arabia within the given time.

The demonstrators took position at the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment on Wednesday morning to press home their demand for Saudi air tickets.

Several hundred migrant workers gathered in front of the ministry office around 10:00 am to secure tickets.

Mohammad Sohel, who hails from Kachua upazila in Chandpur, told Banglanews: "I have been waiting here for so many days, no one of authorities concerned is saying anything. We have return tickets, yet we are suffering a lot! Why? Please say something to us.”

Bangladeshi migrant workers have staged demonstration and laid siege to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka demanding air tickets to return to their workplaces in Saudi Arabia.

Moreover, the ticket-seekers also demonstrated in front of the Biman Bangladesh Airlines office in Dhaka’s Motijheel area. 

On Tuesday, they staged protest in front of the offices of Saudi Airlines, Biman Bangladesh Airlines in Karwan Bazar area, the foreign ministry and Biman office in Motijheel. 

Many of them said they need to return to their workplaces in Saudi Arabia immediately possible because their visas or work permits will expire soon.

The Saudi authority issued warnings that migrant workers, who were stranded in their home country due to the coronavirus pandemic, must get back to work within September 30. The warning triggered a panic among migrants.

After long procrastination, Saudi Arabia on Monday gave permission to Biman Bangladesh Airlines for conducting flights to the country. However, it did not give landing permission yet. As a result, Biman could not announce flight schedule for Saudi Arabia which prompted the ticket crisis.

BDST: 1227 HRS, SEP 23, 2020
SMS