International Migrants Day-2011
WARBE Development Foundation has been at the forefront of migrants’ rights, and has continuously advocated for the recognition of the 18 December as International Migrants Day and has been observing, since its inception in 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly, every year the “Day of Solidarity with Migrant Workers and Members of their Families” in celebration of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrants Workers and Members of Their Families.
This year 2011, the International Migrants Day was celebrated at the national level with due enthusiasm. The Ministry of Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment (MEWOE) took the leadership to celebrate the Day in collaboration with civil society organizations, migrant associations, UN organizations and private agencies. The Day was observed with the slogan “NIRAPAD AVIBASHAN: ORTHONITIR UNNOYON”. It means “Safe Migration: Economic Development.” Different activities including a rally, a discussion and cultural performances have taken place during the daylong programme.
International Migrants Day Rally & Solidarity Human Chain:
The mass rally headed by Dr. Zafar Ahmed Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment (MEWOE). Rally started in front from the National Parliament, Dhaka, and walked through the road animated with attractive banners, festoons, and chanting slogans. WARBE distributed T-shirts to all the participating partners and members which delivering the message: “NIRAPAD AVIBASHAN: ORTHONITIR UNNOYON”. produced for the occasion and distributed newsletter and posters informing on the realities of migration and the significance of the IMD. The rally ended up at Bangabandhu Internation Conference. The Director General of BMET participated in the rally. Different Government officials from MEWOE and BMET, migrant associations and NGOs took part in the rally in a colorful way. Special supplement was published in different newspapers to mark the day.
The Day was dignified with the presence of Government, along with migrants and their families in the same roof. Migrant remitters and their families joined the rally and had high voice protecting their rights. Migrant remittances are driving the wheel of national economy, highlighted by remitter’s family. WARBE assembled a number of migrant remitters and their family members on the eve of celebrating International Migrants Day. They participated in Government rally, they carried banner and festoons stated protection of migrant rights and ratification of UN 1990 convention.
Interactive Discussion meeting and cultural program:
After the rally, a ceremony inaugurated by the Honourable Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, followed by a cultural programme was held in the Osmani Shriti Auditorium. The event was the occasion for Government representatives dealing with migration issues to express their special concerns on migration issues and their hopes for Bangladeshi migrants. In this program the Honourable Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina consented her presence as Chief Guest. Among others Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni, MP and State Minister Advocate Shahara Khatun, MP presented as Special Guest. Dr. Zafar Ahmed Khan, Secretary of the MEWOE deliberated his welcome speech and Mr. Khurshed Alam Chowdhury, Director General of BMET, concluded the session by thanking everybody.
WARBE decorated a stall along with other organizations in the vast hall room showing all publications and enjoyed the magnificent day. The Invited Guests along with Government High Officials visited the stall and showed interest in our publications and activities. Most importantly Government officials showed their earnest interest in empowering migrants’ family and their reunification. It was a success as we celebrate the day with easy access of many people. The Secretary Dr. Zafar Ahmed Khan of the MEWOE distributed T-shirts, Caps and a stick of flowers among the going and return migrant workers as a way of honoring them.
