Malaysia returnees demand for their return

Hundreds of Malaysia returnees have staged protest in front Foreign Ministry in Dhaka from 10am Monday to press home their demand of extending visas and returning to Malaysia.

A huge traffic jam has formed due to the protest, which started from the National Press Club area to the Foreign Ministry, reports Prothom Alo.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (AC) Hasan Muhtari, who was present at the spot, said, "Expatriates are holding a peaceful demonstration which was not predetermined."

The visas of many Malaysian expatriates have expired already and by this December, 90 percent of their visas will be expired.

They are carrying out a sit-in programme and pressed several demands which include- extending their visas in consultation with the Malaysian government and allowing them to enter Malaysia under normal rules; arranging chartered flights to Malaysia in accordance with the Covid-19 health measures; providing financial assistance of Tk 5 lakh to the expatriate's family who dies while on leave; the government have to bear all the expenses including air tickets to bring the bodies of the expatriates back home; providing assistance and incentives to all expatriates stranded on leave; Bangladesh High Commission have to provide legal assistance to the expatriates imprisoned abroad.