The government has sought World Bank (WB) assistance in bringing Bangladeshi expatriates back from Libya.The Economic Relations Division (ERD) last week wrote to the WB seeking its cooperation in the form of a loan or grant, said sources in finance ministry.
The WB, in response, verbally assured Bangladesh of a loan of $ 25-30 million, the sources added. About 50,000 to 60,000 Bangladeshis work in Libya and hence it requires a huge amount of money to repatriate them, said a finance ministry official.
Bangladesh is already having trouble with the national budget due to its subsidy for food and fuel, said the official, adding that if the government has to bring home all the expatriates on its own, it would put further pressure on the budget, which led the country to seek WB cooperation.
Meanwhile, five flights of Biman start operating from today to bring back the Bangladeshis from the Egyptian border with Libya. The cost of operating the flights by the national flag carrier will be borne by the Ministry of Expatriates Welfare. Officials of the ministry said primarily the ministry will manage the expense from a fund for the welfare of expatriates lying idle with the ministry.
Besides, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) have taken an initiative to contribute to the repatriation programme by collecting funds from different trade bodies.
IOM FEARS FUND CRISIS
International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the leading agency repatriating stranded Bangladeshis from Egypt and Tunisia borders, fears fund crunch unless more donors step forward immediately.
International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the leading agency repatriating stranded Bangladeshis from Egypt and Tunisia borders, fears fund crunch unless more donors step forward immediately.
In a statement issued on Friday, IOM Director of Operations Mohammad Abdiker said, “About 6,000 people a day are still crossing into Tunisia and Egypt. If the majority continues to be Bangladeshis needing long haul charter flights to get home, the cost to repatriate them will far exceed our current resources.
“If IOM does not receive more funding immediately, we will have to wind down the evacuation flights from Tunisia and Egypt, with grave consequences for migrants stranded in both countries.” IOM's mass evacuation of foreign workers from countries neighbouring Libya passed 21,000 till Friday. A quarter of a million people have fled Libya since the insurgency to topple the regime began in late February.
The organisation has appealed for $ 49.2 million to assist evacuation of around 65,000 stranded migrants caught up in Libya crisis. However, till March 11, it has received funds, pledges and in-kind donations totalling $ 27 million from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the European Commission Humanitarian Aid Department have also made major contributions.
In addition to covering the cost of travel for stranded migrants, the funding also covers food, water, shelter, medical care and medical travel assistance.
News Source: The Daily Star