Govt to launch ‘Probashi Card’ in line with manifesto pledges: Expat minister

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury has said the government will soon introduce a “Probashi Card” for Bangladeshi migrants in line with its election manifesto commitments.

“We will coordinate with the expatriates’ welfare, foreign affairs and home affairs ministries to determine how this issue can be resolved in the quickest possible time,” he said while speaking to reporters at the Sylhet Circuit House today (28 February).

The minister said the government is also taking steps to regularise around 25,000 undocumented Bangladeshis currently living in Spain.

Ariful added that the government has undertaken a 180-day priority action plan under the guidance of the prime minister, with a focus on reopening suspended overseas labour markets — particularly in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and other destinations where recruitment has stalled.

“Swift measures are being taken to reopen these labour markets,” he said, noting that a standing committee has already been formed on the prime minister’s instructions, with the Ministry of Education also included in the body.

In response to another question, the minister said journalists would receive feedback within about a month regarding progress on reopening overseas labour markets in the Middle East and elsewhere.

At the same press briefing, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the market for essential commodities remains stable. “So far, prices of daily necessities have remained steady, and we believe we will be able to maintain this stability in the coming days, God willing,” he said.

Water Resources Minister Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Anee said the Sylhet region is a designated zone under his ministry, covering four districts — Sylhet, Habiganj, Moulvibazar and Sunamganj.

Describing the region as a border area prone to upstream surges of water, he said preventing floods remains a major challenge. “We are confident of addressing this challenge,” he said, adding that urgent measures would be taken wherever necessary to protect the region from river erosion.