HC seeks number of foreign nationals working in Bangladesh

The High Court has sought information about the number of foreign nationals living in Bangladesh and how many of them are working here with a valid work permit.

The court also wanted to know how many of the foreigners are paying income tax.

The High Court has directed the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the NGO Affairs Bureau and the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) to submit reports before it within the next 60 days.

The HC bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman on Tuesday passed the orders and issued rule after hearing a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Md Monjur Nahid.

The court has also issued a rule asking the authorities concerned of the government why their inaction to stop the foreigners from working in Bangladesh without valid work permit should not be declared illegal.

In the rule, the court also asked the authorities concerned why they should not be directed to take legal action against the foreigners who are working here without valid work permit.  

BIDA, the NGO Affairs Bureau, the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) and concerned others have been asked to respond to the rule within four weeks.  

Barrister Aneek R. Haque stood for the petition while Deputy Attorney General Amit Talukder represented the state in the court.

Earlier on December 12, lawyer Md Monjur Nahid filed the writ to the High Court seeking necessary order on the matter.

In the writ, the petitioner attached an article written by former cabinet secretary Ali Imam Majumdar, titled "Why So Much Foreign Workers in Bangladesh" published in a national daily on October 19.