A Rights-Centric View on Humanizing Migration from Bangladesh

This chapter examines the obstacles faced by migrant workers in Bangladesh and emphasizes the need to implement a rights-based approach (RBA) to protect their rights. The RBA approach is based on the principles of international and national human rights law and focuses on the protection, promotion, and realization of migrants’ rights. This chapter provides insights into the lived experiences of migrant workers in Bangladesh through qualitative research methods, including interviews and case studies. It sheds light on the brutal realities faced by these workers, including human trafficking, wage discrimination, limited access to healthcare, and inadequate legal protection. The findings point to a significant gap between current regulatory policies and their successful implementation, exacerbated by unequal responsibilities, cultural barriers, and a lack of cooperation between relevant parties. To address migrants’ vulnerabilities, the chapter proposes a number of policy recommendations, including a sound legal framework, capacity-building initiatives, better coordination between stakeholders, and gender-sensitive policies.