Mahmudur Rahman Manna, the President of Nagorik Oikya, addressing Industry Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, said, "Someone who doesn't qualify to be a shepherd is sitting as a minister."  He commented at a discussion meeting organized by the Bangladesh Expatriate Rights Council at the National Press Club on Sunday (March 10th) concerning the country's economic crisis, the thoughts of expatriates, crises, and protection.

In his speech as the chief guest, Manna said that those in power do not like the common people. There, those who are blind claim to see the most. He added, an Awami League minister said "no need to eat dates; eat plum instead. He doesn't qualify to be a shepherd, yet he sits as a minister."

Mahmudur Rahman Manna said that the government is unable to do anything as the market is on fire. The Prime Minister said to beat up those who hoard, but those who protested the prices were the ones who got beaten up. People are dying in prisons, and the government says, "If born, one has to die." Such a government is forcefully holding onto power.

Nurul Haque Nur, the President of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, said, "Nowhere in the world can workers as cheap as those from Bangladesh be found. Even abroad, they are subjected to harassment and torture. If we could say that we will not send any more workers if one of our workers is harmed, our workers' rights would be protected."

He said that those in charge should work for the country, the nation, and the interests of expatriates. The government has set the expenses, but agencies are charging four to five times more. These workers are not even getting their salaries properly abroad.

He further said, "The Prime Minister says "I don't want to lose votes by speaking the truth." Therefore, those under her are not doing the right job. The government is incapable of saying anything beyond political rhetorics. The government said no chemical factories will be allowed in Old Dhaka, no restaurants in residential areas. Has it managed to remove even one? Nothing will change unless this government is gone."

Former Deputy Minister of Education Ehsanul Haque Milon said, "The lowest number of ships arrived at Chittagong Port yesterday. It means imports are decreasing. Decreasing imports mean there's no foreign currency. Although some say the reserve has increased a bit after the government took automatic measures, we are not getting accurate information."

Various leaders and activists of the organisation were present at the discussion meeting.