A high-level meeting has been held between Bangladesh and Libya to ensure the outstanding salaries, contractual benefits and professional rights of Bangladeshi doctors, nurses and medical technologists working in Libya.
The tripartite meeting held at the Libyan Prime Minister’s Office on Monday (September 1) was attended by Libyan Prime Minister’s Finance Advisor and Minister of Transport Mohammad Al-Shahoubi, Acting Health Minister Dr. Mohammad Al-Gouj and Bangladeshi Ambassador Major General Abul Hasnat Muhammad Khairul Bashar. Bangladesh Embassy’s First Secretary (Labor) Md. Russell Mia was also present at the time.
The ambassador highlighted the professional dedication, patience and responsibility of Bangladeshi professionals in the meeting and said that despite the irregularity of their salaries for a long time, they have earned the trust of the Libyan people and have been providing services. He called for the immediate payment of outstanding salaries and other benefits as per the contract.
The Finance Advisor praised the efficiency and dedication of the Bangladeshi professionals in the meeting. He said that although there was a delay in the payment of salaries due to administrative complications, arrangements have been made to pay them in advance through the Ministry of Health. He also mentioned that the Prime Minister’s Office has already issued instructions for regular payment of salaries including arrears.
The Health Minister said in the meeting that a special committee will be formed for the welfare of Bangladeshi doctors and health workers, which will work to resolve the problem in coordination with the embassy and hospitals on a regular basis. He also assured to take steps to renew the contracts of Bangladeshi professionals who have completed their two-year contracts.
At the end of the meeting, the Ambassador thanked the Transport Minister for Libya’s support for Bangladesh in the international arena, especially in the IMO Council member elections, and expressed hope for strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the future.
