Photo: BSS

SUNAMGANJ, Aug 25, 2026 (BSS) - Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury today instructed the relevant authorities to take strict action to prevent illegal overseas migration and fraud by brokers.

He said brokers whose traps are causing young people from Sunamganj to travel abroad illegally and lose their lives prematurely must be identified quickly and brought under the law.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting at Sunamganj District Commissioner's office to ensure safe migration and prevent illegal overseas travel.

The minister said alongside going abroad through legal channels, it is equally important for people to acquire skills and learn the necessary language before traveling overseas for work. 

He said that if suitable locations are identified in important areas of Sunamganj for technical training centers and language-learning courses, the ministry will provide the necessary logistical support.

Emphasizing the need to raise awareness to prevent illegal migration, he said that religious leaders at all mosques, temples, and churches in Sunamganj should educate people about the grave dangers of risking their lives by traveling abroad illegally, as well as the benefits of migrating through legal channels. 

He expressed hope that this awareness campaign would begin in Sunamganj.

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Md Mokhtar Ahmed said many people are taking the risk of traveling illegally to Europe because of a lack of legal opportunities. 

However, he said new opportunities to travel to Italy are currently being created through the International Labour Organization's (ILO) "Talent Partnership" project.

Ministry's Joint Secretary Md Shahidul Islam Chowdhury gave a special presentation at the meeting, highlighting the alarming situation of young people from Sunamganj traveling illegally to Europe. 

Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Minhajur Rahman chaired the meeting while Sunamganj-5 constituency MP Kalim Uddin Ahmed, Sunamganj-4 constituency MP Nurul Islam, Sunamganj-3 constituency MP Mohammad Koyser Ahmed, Sunamganj-1 constituency MP Kamruzzaman Kamrul, and Sunamganj District Council Administrator Md. Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury were present.

Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Md. Mashiur Rahman, Sylhet Range DIG Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman, Sunamganj Superintendent of Police A.B.M. Zakir Hossain, and various prominent political figures from Sunamganj were also present.