The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the Maldives, H.E. Dr. Nazmul Isla,m called on Mr. Adam Azim, the Hon’ble Mayor of the Male’ City Council. Hon’ble mayor congratulated the High Commissioner on his new assignment inthe Maldives. The High Commissioner thanked the mayor for serving Bangladeshi expatriates and expressed interests to know how to improve the conditions of expats. Hon’ble mayor informed that the Maldives economy is in bad shape, expatriates are having a tough time, some expatriates commit crimes due to financial situations, and some Bangladeshi expats litter and don’t keep places clean. The High Commissioner stressed that the Male City Council and the High Commission of Bangladesh may jointly organize awareness programs. He also mentioned that Bangladeshi expatriates have been working more hours, and some have health issues, even deaths. Many local employers don’t provide mortuary fees; the Male City Council may waive the mortuary fee. The mayor has stressed that the City Council has been having financial constraints and can’t waive the mortuary fee.
The High Commissioner informed the mayor that many Bangladeshi expatriates can’t find jobs even though they arrived with valid visas. The High Commissioner also proposed collaboration between the Dhaka City Corporation and Male’s City Council. The mayor assured the High Commissioner to send a draft collaboration proposal. He said that the expatriates are part of the Maldives and shown interest in organizing social and cultural activities.
The mayor also supported penalties to be levied on the companies involved with human trafficking, emphasizing on Bangladeshi government verify employment offer letters and monitor migrants flow. Finally, both the High Commissioner and the mayor thanked each other and exchanged gifts.
