Government Plans ‘Probashi Card’ and Dedicated ‘Probashi City’ for Overseas Bangladeshis

The government has announced a series of initiatives aimed at improving services and welfare for Bangladeshi expatriates, including the introduction of a banking-enabled “Probashi Card,” the development of a dedicated “Probashi City,” and the establishment of a specialized international-standard hospital.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque said the government is implementing these measures to strengthen support for overseas Bangladeshis and their families.

According to the minister, the proposed Probashi Card will be linked to banking payment gateways, allowing expatriates to transfer money to Bangladesh more conveniently. Family members will also be able to access the funds within approved limits.

To encourage investment and provide housing facilities for expatriates, the government is planning to develop a dedicated Probashi City in Purbachal. Similar projects may later be expanded to other districts across the country.

The minister also announced plans to establish a specialized hospital on land owned by the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board in Gulshan, Dhaka, to provide quality healthcare services for expatriates and their families.

Highlighting ongoing welfare initiatives, he said financial assistance has been provided for scholarships to meritorious students, allowances for children with disabilities, insurance claims, compensation for returning workers, and transportation and burial expenses for deceased migrant workers.

The government has also supported the rehabilitation and employment of nearly 250,000 returnee migrants through training and assistance programs. Efforts are underway to create opportunities for their re-employment overseas based on acquired skills and experience.

To strengthen legal protection for migrant workers abroad, agreements have been signed with law firms in ten countries. Additionally, three safe homes for female migrant workers are currently operating in Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia and Muscat in Oman.

The minister noted that expatriates can access immediate assistance through a toll-free hotline in Bangladesh and dedicated international support services.

He further stated that the government is exploring new labor markets beyond the Middle East, including Japan, where a dedicated “Japan Cell” has been established to expand employment opportunities. Diplomatic missions have also been instructed to pursue new labor market opportunities across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

The government remains committed to ensuring safe migration, preventing recruitment fraud, protecting workers’ rights, and enhancing the dignity and welfare of Bangladeshi expatriates worldwide.