News
DHAKA, September 5, 2026: The Department of Public Administration, Stamford University Bangladesh hosted a symposium today titled "Labour Mobility from Bangladesh to the MENA Region" at the university’s Siddeswari Campus Auditorium.
The symposium convened to discuss key challenges, migrant safety, and future policy solutions for Bangladeshi labor in the MENA region.
The event commenced at 10:15 AM with welcoming remarks from Prof. Dr. Sharif Nafe As-Saber, Honorable Vice-Chancellor of Stamford University Bangladesh. Reflecting on global movement throughout human history, from early migrations in Africa to historic shifts across Asia, he highlighted the persistent human drive to seek opportunity alongside the vulnerabilities faced by migrants. "Birds and butterflies move across borders without visas, yet human migration remains bound by systemic barriers and complex state lines," noted Prof. Dr. As-Saber, emphasizing the need to approach labor migration with empathy and structural reform.
Delivering the keynote speech, His Excellency Major General Md. Habib Ullah (SGP, SPP, ndc, afwc, psc, M.Phil), Ambassador of Bangladesh to Libya, outlined both the economic vitalities and severe risks of labor illegal migration to the MENA region. He highlighted the five critical pillars needed for sustainable labor governance: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, Partnership, and Reintegration.
In his speech, Ambassador Major General Md. Habib Ullah emphasized the true worth and dignity of Bangladeshi workers abroad:
> "Our migrant workers are our primary brand ambassadors and the true face of Bangladesh abroad."
Addressing the dangers of human trafficking and undocumented routes, he warned:
> "When ambition turns into irregular migration, it becomes a trap of exploitation where human beings are reduced to mere commodities. No dream is worth a human life."
Addressing the youth and prospective migrants, Ambassador Habib introduced the "SWORD" test evaluating whether migration pathways are Safe, Worthy, Orderly, Regular, and Dignified.
Concluding his core message on policy and historical perspective, Ambassador Md. Habib Ullah stated:
> "Just like navigating a dinghy boat, we cannot look ahead without looking back. Understanding the root causes of exploitation is the first step toward building safe pathways for future generations. This is not merely a migration issue, it is a vital national concern."
He also reflected on diplomatic efforts in Libya, including community welfare initiatives for Bangladeshi expatriates and embassy-managed schools, while addressing historic incidents such as the 2020 Mizda tragedy to stress the urgency of anti-trafficking enforcement.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Dr. Aka Firowz Ahmad, Academic Advisor & Honorary Chairman of the Department of Public Administration, urged researchers and future policy leaders to address institutional gaps. "Migration is deeply interwoven with human civilization and development. When nation-state borders restrict human movement while markets globalize, personal freedoms and human rights are often compromised," stated Prof. Dr. Ahmad. "To solve these systemic challenges, our scholars must first understand the issue with the head, feel it with the heart, and then execute policy solutions with the hands."
Following an interactive Q&A session with students and faculty, the event concluded at 12:45 PM with the presentation of honorary souvenir and a commemorative group photo.