Uphold country's image abroad, respect hosts' laws: PM Hasina to expats

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (7 March) asked the Bangladeshi expatriates to strictly abide by the laws of the host countries and send remittances through legal channels.

"It won't be tolerated any more if any person commits offences (in the host country) and thus tarnishes the country's image," she said while addressing a civic reception accorded to her at Bangladesh MHM School in Doha, Qatar.

The premier said her government has taken Bangladesh to a dignified position through round-the-clock hard work over the years and the image is being damaged due to criminal activities by a few people in foreign lands, which hampers the scope for sending more Bangladeshis abroad for overseas jobs.

"Bangladeshi expatriates must follow the existing laws and rules of the countries where they are staying….I have made it clear that we will not try to save those who will be engaged in criminal activities," she said.

The premier also asked overseas job seekers to use legal channels. "We have lost the scope of sending more people abroad," she added.

She said if any Bangladeshi expatriate commits a crime abroad the government will not shoulder its responsibility.

About remittance, the PM said, "Send remittances through the legal channels. We are providing 2.5% incentive (for sending remittance through banking channels)."