They said these women were enrolled in Ansar-VDP to maintain law and order, but the government is sending them abroad as housemaid tarnishing the image of the country.

The discussion on 'Sending of Ansar-VDP women to Saudi Arabia as housemaid' was organised by Thengamara Mahila Sabuj Sangha (TMSS) in the city.

Terming Saudi Arabia a very insecure place for maids having an age group 25-35, the speakers alleged that the Saudi Sheikhs treat women like products.

"Who will ensure the security of these women when there are a number of cases of sexual abuse of Bangladeshi women who earlier went to Saudi Arabia and other Middle-East countries as maid? they posed the question.

The speakers alleged that as the ministry concerned failed to pay their salary regularly, it is sending them abroad as maid.

Presiding over the discussion, Sultana Kamal, executive director of Ain O Salish Kendra, wanted to know whether the government has any right to send them abroad as maid as they are trained for security purposes.

She said despite knowing about the threat of sexual abuse, these women have agreed to go there because of their poverty.

Latifa Akund, a rights activist, said Saudi government doesn't allow any maid below the age of 40.

Then why the government is sending the women aged between 25 and 35? she asked.

The speakers said they will submit memorandum to the ministries concerned and form human chain in the city very soon protesting the government's decision.

Some 131 women members of Ansar-VDP will start leaving for Saudi Arabia from July 20 paying Tk 35 thousand per head. They will draw a salary of Tk 6000 (400 Saudi riyal) per month.

The discussion was also participated by Shifa Hafiza of Brac, Nasima Akhter Joly of Hunger Project, Monowara Begum of Naripakkho, and Dr Jesmin Ara Sultana Sathi of TMSS.