[mukto-mona] Kuwait - Bangladesh embassy acts to stop ‘criminals’

 

Bangladesh embassy acts to stop 'criminals' 

By Francis A. Clifford Cardozo

Arab Times Staff

http://www.arabtimesonline.com/kuwaitnews/pagesdetails.asp?nid=18709&ccid=9

 

KUWAIT CITY : In an unprecedented move, the Bangladesh embassy in Kuwait is coordinating efforts with the local authorities in apprehending Bangladeshi nationals involved in unlawful activities, an embassy official told the Arab Times on condition of anonymity.  "Unfortunately, a handful spoil the pond for the rest and the drastic measures are aimed at upholding the image of Bangladesh," the official added. The official added that a "Complaint Box" has been set up at the embassy and anyone having any information about illegal activities of Bangladeshi nationals can drop a complaint in the box and added that the embassy has also initiated a campaign to urge Bangladeshis to abide by Kuwaiti laws. "We will thoroughly investigate any complaint we receive, and once we establish proof, then we will share the information with the Kuwaiti authorities to take the necessary action," he added.

 

He also said that the Bangladeshi government is considering suspending passport of its nationals who commit serious crimes in Kuwait. Kuwait is home to some 241,000 Bangladeshis, many of whom are employed with cleaning companies.  The official said it is not mandatory for the complainant to reveal his or her identity but added that the embassy recommends people to leave behind their contact details so as to validate certain information if need be.  When prodded to spell out what illegal activities the embassy was targeting, he said: "Illegal activities such as gambling, prostitution, trading in illegal international calls or assuming a Bangladeshi has committed a crime and is hiding somewhere etc. All such crimes will be tackled with the help of our community members."

 

He added that the embassy is in the process of establishing a database of Bangladeshi nationals residing in Kuwait and that it will also seek records of Bangladeshi criminals from the local authorities so as to enable the Bangladeshi government to take necessary legal action against them.  The official said that a website is also being set up in an effort to provide Bangladeshi nationals information on various issues. To a question as to what prompted the embassy to take such drastic measures, he said the embassy has been following news reports and thought that it was about time to put its best foot forward to prevent crimes among its nationals.

 

He was unable to say whether Bangladeshi embassies elsewhere would take similar measures. "I believe the campaign is a move in the right direction and will send a strong signal to our nationals that they are going to be in trouble if they indulge in unlawful activities in Kuwait. Our workers have not come here to commit crimes but to help in moving the wheel of development." Incidentally, our campaign is two-pronged: we are taking strict action against Bangladeshis involved in crimes and at the same time holding campaigns urging our nationals to shun unlawful practices, he added. The official also said that the embassy together with community members is organizing "motivational meetings" in areas where Bangladeshis live in large numbers. He said that the campaign kick started in Kuwait City followed by Jahra and in the coming days will move to other areas, including Jleeb Al-Shyoukh, Farwaniya, Khaitan, Salmiya, Jahra, Wafra and Abadali etc.

 

The embassy has circulated posters, leaflets and other material among the Bangladeshi nationals appealing them to respect Kuwaiti laws and to report those indulging in criminal activities, he said.

 

He added that embassy officials met with the Director of the Department of Immigration, Brigadier Kamal Al-Awadhi and sought his assistance in deporting Bangladeshis who are involved in unlawful activities. He went on to explain that the embassy is also coordinating efforts with other concerned Kuwaiti authorities to make the drive a success.  "We are going to use the media as a platform to drive home our message, and we are hopeful that we will succeed in our endeavors with the help of the concerned Kuwaiti authorities," he said "We have also taken initiatives aimed at improving the working conditions of Bangladeshi workers in Kuwait. The government has streamlined the recruitment process of our workers and has made it difficult for companies that violate the rights of their workers. Such companies are not allowed to hire manpower from Bangladesh."

 

He said the embassy is also exerting efforts to seek an increase in salaries of workers and that it was determined to create a good working environment in addition to organizing the entire Bangladeshi workforce in Kuwait. He said the Bangladesh government is committed to tackling the visa trafficking phenomenon and that many Bangladeshi workers have fallen prey to this practice.  "We have come across many Bangladeshis in Kuwait, who do not know their sponsor and this is causing them a lot of hardships because they are unable to renew their residency as they are duped by the middlemen. We are trying to address such issues as best as we can," he concluded.

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