Dhaka, 22 July 2020:

The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been drawn to some media reports and social media contents about the activities of a section of workers currently staying in Vietnam.

 The Government of Bangladesh is committed to uphold the rights of Bangladeshi migrant workers abroad and provides all necessary assistance. Bangladesh Mission in Hanoi has been supporting the Bangladesh nationals within the legal framework of Bangladesh and Vietnam. 

All international flights are suspended in Vietnam since 25 March 2020. The Group of Bangladesh nationals who are demanding return flight to Bangladesh at Bangladesh government’s expense since 3 July 2020 are engaged in negative propaganda unjustifiably with the help of social media and some overseas TV channels. 

The latest group of 17 people who are reportedly sitting in front of the Embassy demanding immediate repatriation has been interviewed by the Embassy officials and Vietnam authorities. It was communicated to the Embassy by the Vietnam side that the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam issued an order to Ho Chi Minh City Police, Binh Duong Police and Vung Tau Police to investigate the brokers from Bangladesh and ensure security for foreign workers. Vietnam Police informed that they are working with Vietnam companies, who sponsored visas for these people to take responsibility of this Group and take them back to Vung Tau City, give them accommodation, job and facilitate their repatriation when commercial flights resume. Most of them went to Vietnam as visitors and not as legal workers. The Embassy informed 17 people of the employer’s commitment and assurance of the Government of Vietnam but those 17 people for unknown reasons are not cooperating. They appear determined not to go back to their workplace sticking to their one point demand for immediate return to Bangladesh at government expense.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to categorically state that while the Government of Bangladesh is mindful to promote expatriate welfare particularly in the face of COVID pandemic worldwide, the Government will not encourage any activities by the expatriate workers detrimental to the image of Bangladesh and the excellent relations existing between Bangladesh and Vietnam.