The speakers at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) also urged the caretaker government to create an atmosphere so that the expatriates could cast their votes in the next election.

They said around 60 lakh expatriate Bangladeshis can be voters within a very short time with the help of Bangladesh missions abroad through EC and can cast their votes in missions, consulates or different places selected by the missions.

The speakers also urged the CG to resolve the issue of exporting manpower to Malaysia through Bangladesh Overseas and Services Limited (BOESL) with guaranty as there is a potential job market there for Bangladeshis. Work permits of hundreds of labourers were cancelled in Malaysia due to faulty strategy of the immediate past government and conspiracy by a section of manpower agents, they added.

They also called upon the government to provide loan with five per cent interest to those who have got permission to go abroad so that they do not have to sell their land and property.

They urged the government not to take more than Tk 50,000 from or those who intended to go to Malaysia.

They demanded cancellation of licences of those recruiting agencies, which realise a lot of money from the people in the name of sending them abroad or sending people abroad through false documents.

They said if people go abroad through BOESL they will get compensation in case of deception or repression in the recipient country.

Association President Dr Mohammad Abdur Rahman, Secretary General Syed Nasir Uddin and Vice President Mohammad Shah Alam spoke at the press conference.