Qatar and Bangladesh Sign Agreement to Protect Rights of Bangladeshi Migrant Workers

Qatar and Bangladesh have signed a new agreement aimed at protecting the rights of Bangladeshi migrant workers employed in Qatar. The agreement, which was welcomed by Bangladeshi organizations, includes commitments to establish protections for the over 350,000 Bangladeshi workers in Qatar, many of whom played a vital role in the country's preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Under the agreement, a joint working group will be formed to address labor rights issues and discuss ways to develop relevant labor legislation and ensure worker rights are in place. Many Bangladeshi migrant workers in Qatar have reported contract violations and illnesses linked to unsafe working conditions.

The signing of this memorandum of understanding is seen as a positive step towards creating a 'win-win' situation for both countries. It represents an expression of interest from Qatar and Bangladesh to ensure the welfare of migrant workers, who play a significant role in Qatar's development.

Why this matters: The agreement between Qatar and Bangladesh has the potential to improve the working conditions and protect the rights of hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi migrant workers. It sets a precedent for cooperation on labor issues between countries with large migrant worker populations.

The agreement was signed as part of a series of bilateral cooperation agreements between Qatar and Bangladesh during the visit of the Qatari Emir to Bangladesh. The two countries signed a total of 10 agreements and memoranda of understanding across various sectors including legal affairs, investment protection, double taxation prevention, maritime transportation, and the formation of a Joint Business Council.

"The partnership between Bangladesh and Qatar is rooted in their shared commitment to peace, stability, and global development, as well as their alignment with the principles of the UN and OIC," said a joint statement released by the two countries.

Qatar is a major destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers, with over 420,000 Bangladeshi citizens currently employed in various sectors in the country. The implementation of the new agreement and its impact on improving the conditions for these workers will be closely watched by labor rights advocates and the international community.

Key Takeaways

• Qatar and Bangladesh signed an agreement to protect Bangladeshi migrant workers' rights.
• The agreement includes forming a joint working group to address labor rights issues.
• The agreement aims to create a 'win-win' situation for both countries and their workers.
• Qatar is a major destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers, with over 420,000 employed.
• The two countries also signed 10 other agreements across various sectors during the visit.