Although there is no official confirmation of deaths of Bangladeshis, the fact remains that many of them are passing their days in total desperation. It is learnt that with some of the employers having fled their homes for safety, many of the workers are living in utter fear, totally disillusioned without money and have no place to go for shelter and safety. Many of the returnees had to leave behind most of their belongings and could not even collect their monies and other valuables.

Our Non- Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) working overseas are one of the most valuable assets for the country earning and remitting valuable foreign exchange to our exchequer. The government should, therefore, make every effort for the speedy return of those left behind and at the same time make arrangements for rehabilitation of the returnees.

The programme of rehabilitation should be two-fold. First, on an immediate basis, the returnees should be provided with financial and other kinds of support to help them overcome the trauma and losses to the maximum extent possible. All the returnees should be sent to their respective village homes or any other place they might wish to go to. Secondly, the government ought to draw up a plan in advance and think of sending these unfortunate workers back to Lebanon when the dusts will have settled. They must be helped to get their financial dues.

In the meantime, we express our solidarity with all those men, women and children who are dying and suffering due to Israeli bombings of civilian targets inside Lebanon.