Dhaka: Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury announced the introduction of a 100-bed separate accommodation facility at the capital’s Ashkona Hajj Camp for overseas-bound workers who may need temporary shelter and overnight stay. He made this announcement while visiting the Hajj Camp in the morning.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment following directives from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and a proposal from the Religious Affairs Ministry. The minister stated that the Wage Earners’ Centre, currently operated by his ministry, has accommodation facilities for 49 people. To reduce the suffering of expatriates during emergencies or sudden flight cancellations, an additional 100 beds will be arranged at the Hajj Camp, which is located close to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Of the new facilities, 50 beds will be allocated for men and another 50 for women, Ariful added. The overall cost of the initiative will be borne by the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board. Highlighting the government’s expatriate-friendly policies, the minister emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing facilities and services for migrant workers. He noted that flights are often delayed or cancelled due to wars, adverse weather conditions, and various other reasons, leading to accommodation problems for expatriates at airports. This arrangement at the Hajj Camp aims to significantly reduce their hardship.

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Md Mokhtar Ahmed, Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, and senior officials of the Hajj Camp were present during the announcement.