Two Freezing Ambulances Launched To Transport Expatriates' Bodies From Airport To Home

Dhaka: Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury on Tuesday, February 24, inaugurated two freezing ambulances to ensure the dignified transportation of deceased expatriate workers from airports to their respective homes free of cost.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Probashi Kalyan Bhaban premises in Dhaka, the minister described the initiative as a“noble step” aimed at easing the suffering of bereaved families, read a press release of the ministry.

He said arrangements have now been made to preserve the bodies in freezing ambulances and transport them from airports directly to the deceased's home districts. Previously, the service was provided through three ambulances. With the addition of two more freezing ambulances, the total number has now increased to five.

The minister also announced that the free transportation service, which was earlier limited to Dhaka airport, will now be extended to Chattogram and Sylhet airports. Gradually, the service will be introduced at all airports across the country.“Wherever the expatriate's family resides in Bangladesh, the body brought from abroad will be transported to their home free of cost using these freezing ambulances,” he said.

He further added that over the next six months, the ministry will work to gradually implement commitments outlined in its election manifesto to address expatriates' long-standing demands.

Speaking as a special guest, State Minister Md. Nurul Haque Nur said the ministry has been actively engaging with stakeholders to enhance expatriate welfare and create overseas employment opportunities since assuming office.

He noted that the ministry already had three body-carrying ambulances, and the addition of two freezing ambulances brings the total to five. For a long time, families of deceased expatriates had demanded a government-managed system for transporting bodies, he added.

The state minister said that families receive Tk 35,000 at the airport immediately after the body arrives. In addition, expatriate workers who migrated abroad through the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) are entitled to a compensation fund of Tk 1.3 million in case of death. However, to receive this benefit, workers must complete BMET registration before going abroad.

“Many workers neglect registration and later face difficulties. We urge all outgoing migrant workers to register with BMET so that the government can fully support them in times of crisis,” he said.

He expressed hope that the inauguration of the freezing ambulances would fulfill a long-standing demand of expatriates and assured that further welfare initiatives would be undertaken in phases. He also called for cooperation in exploring new overseas job markets and expanding employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers abroad.

Director General of the Wage Earners' Welfare Board, Barrister Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan, said that the existing air-conditioned ambulances were not suitable for long-distance transportation, prompting the government to procure freezing ambulances. With the addition of the two new vehicles, bodies will now be transported from airports to homes across the country under government arrangements.

The event was presided over by Senior Secretary Dr. Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment.

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