Speakers during a webinar have called for protecting rights of the pandemic-hit migrant workers who have fallen victim to job cuts and forced repatriations.
They suggested raising rights issues of migrants at the upcoming Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) summit in the United Arab Emirates this month.
The speakers made the recommendations during a virtual pre-GFMD national consultation hosted by WARBE Development Foundation on Tuesday.
Bangladesh Parliamentarians' Caucus on Migration and Development chairperson barrister Shameem Haider Patwary moderated the programme where foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was present as the chief guest.
WARBE Development Foundation chairman Syed Saiful Haque, Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit executive director Dr CR Abrar, officials and civil-society representatives also attended the talks.
Minister Mr Momen said international migration is an integral part of the country's development, adding that the government is working for migrants' well-being.
He put emphasis on raising rights-based issues of workers at the GFMD forum.
Foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen said human trafficking may rise due to Covid-19 as middlemen and dishonest recruiters are active with unethical acts.
Everybody should stay alert to the unscrupulous people in this sector, he added.
Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies president Benjir Ahmed said the sector is undergoing a tough time as recruiters cannot send workers because of coronavirus.
He sought adequate state incentive and also steps to stop harassment of recruiters under the existing law.
