An insensitive remark

WE find the prime minister's remarks on taking steps against illegal migrants along with human traffickers inhumane and insensitive. Instead of laying out any plans on how to tackle the humanitarian crisis that has drawn the attention of the world, the prime minister seems to be more concerned about the country's image. By terming people's risky and desperate attempts to go abroad "sort of a mental sickness", she has ridiculed the desperation and plight of some of the most vulnerable people of the country. This is a strange comment from a democratically elected leader. 

According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), an estimated 25,000 migrants took to seas in Southeast Asia in the first quarter of this year. As the tragedy unfolds, it is becoming clear that it is not simply a case of human trafficking but of mass murder, torture, human deprivation and greed of the most despicable kind. The PM's comment becomes even more inappropriate when seen in this bigger context. Unfortunately, we are yet to see any serious actions initiated by the government to address this tragedy. 

The only sustainable solution to illegal immigration is changing the conditions that compel them to put their lives at risk in the first place, which are poverty, unemployment and sheer hopelessness of their condition. All these must be addressed effectively. At the local level, social safety nets must be expanded, human capacity should be developed and a massive campaign that goes from door to door must be launched immediately. 

And as for immediate action, a comprehensive, multi-country effort is needed to crack down on human traffickers and their masterminds with Bangladesh playing its due role in the upcoming 15-nation regional meeting on "irregular migration" through the sea on May 29 in Bangkok.