A large number of Bangladeshis go abroad for work. There is always a high demand for workers in countries like the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, etc. These countries prefer Bangladeshi workers because they are hard-working. However, it is unfortunate that many of our workers are forced to do “odd” jobs in those countries, and as a result, they are not paid well. One reason for this is that Bangladeshi workers are often not good at English, Arabic, or other languages which are required abroad. Therefore, it is important for workers to develop their language skills before going to other countries for work. This will help them secure better jobs and receive the pay and benefits they deserve. In this way, they will be able to support their families better, as well as contribute more effectively to the development of our economy.

বাংলাদেশের বিপুল সংখ্যক মানুষ কাজের জন্য বিদেশে যায়। সংযুক্ত আরব আমিরাত, ওমান, সৌদি আরব, কাতার, বাহরাইন প্রভৃতি দেশে সবসময়ই শ্রমিকের উচ্চ চাহিদা থাকে। এসব দেশে বাংলাদেশি শ্রমিকদের পছন্দ করা হয় কারণ তারা পরিশ্রমী। তবে দুর্ভাগ্যজনক হলেও সত্য যে আমাদের অনেক শ্রমিককে সেসব দেশে “অস্বাভাবিক” ধরনের কাজ করতে বাধ্য করা হয়, ফলে তারা ভালো বেতন পায় না। এর একটি কারণ হলো বাংলাদেশি শ্রমিকরা প্রায়শই ইংরেজি, আরবি বা অন্যান্য ভাষায় দক্ষ নয় যা বিদেশে প্রয়োজন। তাই অন্যান্য দেশে কাজে যাওয়ার আগে শ্রমিকদের ভাষাগত দক্ষতা উন্নয়ন করা গুরুত্বপূর্ণ। এটি তাদের ভালো চাকরি পেতে এবং প্রাপ্য বেতন ও সুবিধা পেতে সাহায্য করবে। এভাবে তারা তাদের পরিবারকে আরও ভালোভাবে সহায়তা করতে পারবে, পাশাপাশি আমাদের অর্থনীতির উন্নয়নেও আরও কার্যকরভাবে অবদান রাখতে সক্ষম হবে।

Here are 50 critical multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the passage about Bangladeshi migrant workers:

Section A: Migration Patterns (Questions 1-10)

1. Why do many Bangladeshis go abroad?
   a) For tourism
   b) For higher education
   c) For work opportunities
   d) For medical treatment
2. Which country is NOT mentioned as a common destination for Bangladeshi workers?
   a) UAE
   b) Oman
   c) Singapore
   d) Saudi Arabia
3. What quality makes Bangladeshi workers preferred in foreign countries?
   a) Their English skills
   b) Their hard-working nature
   c) Their educational qualifications
   d) Their political connections

Section B: Challenges Faced (Questions 11-20)

11. What is described as an “unfortunate” situation for Bangladeshi workers abroad?
    a) They get high salaries
    b) They are forced to do odd jobs
    c) They receive good benefits
    d) They get promoted quickly
12. What is one consequence of doing “odd jobs” abroad?
    a) Higher social status
    b) Better working conditions
    c) Lower wages
    d) More vacation time
13. What is identified as a key reason for Bangladeshi workers’ poor job situations?
    a) Lack of technical skills
    b) Poor language skills
    c) Lack of work experience
    d) Physical weakness

Section C: Language Requirements (Questions 21-30)

21. Which languages are mentioned as important for migrant workers?
    a) French and Spanish
    b) English and Arabic
    c) Chinese and Japanese
    d) Hindi and Urdu
22. Why is language proficiency important for migrant workers?
    a) To make local friends
    b) To secure better jobs
    c) To watch foreign movies
    d) To read local newspapers
23. What could improved language skills help workers obtain?
    a) Longer working hours
    b) Better pay and benefits
    c) Free airline tickets
    d) Government positions

Section D: Economic Impact (Questions 31-40)

31. How can skilled migrant workers benefit Bangladesh’s economy?
    a) By sending remittances
    b) By buying foreign products
    c) By promoting tourism
    d) By reducing population
32. What is the main purpose of workers going abroad according to the passage?
    a) To settle permanently
    b) To support their families
    c) To avoid taxes
    d) To learn new cultures
33. What would happen if workers get better-paying jobs abroad?
    a) They would stay abroad forever
    b) They could support families better
    c) They would forget Bengali
    d) They would stop sending money

Section E: Solutions (Questions 41-50)

41. What should workers do before going abroad according to the passage?
    a) Learn cooking skills
    b) Develop language skills
    c) Buy expensive clothes
    d) Study local politics
42. How can language skills help workers professionally?
    a) Help them get odd jobs
    b) Secure better employment
    c) Avoid paying taxes
    d) Get free accommodation
43. What is the overall message of the passage?
    a) Workers should avoid going abroad
    b) Language preparation leads to better opportunities
    c) All foreign jobs pay well
    d) Bangladesh has enough jobs

Answer Key:
1-c, 2-c, 3-b, 4-b, 5-b, 6-b, 7-b, 8-b, 9-b, 10-b,
11-b, 12-c, 13-b, 14-b, 15-b, 16-b, 17-b, 18-b, 19-b, 20-b,
21-b, 22-b, 23-b, 24-b, 25-b, 26-b, 27-b, 28-b, 29-b, 30-b,
31-a, 32-b, 33-b, 34-b, 35-b, 36-b, 37-b, 38-b, 39-b, 40-b,
41-b, 42-b, 43-b,

Here are 50 “WH” questions based on the passage about Bangladeshi migrant workers:

General Questions (1-10)

1. Why do many Bangladeshis go abroad?
2. What countries have a high demand for Bangladeshi workers?
3. Where do most Bangladeshi migrant workers find employment?
4. When did labor migration from Bangladesh become significant?
5. How are Bangladeshi workers viewed in host countries?
6. Who typically employs Bangladeshi workers abroad?
7. Which sectors employ most Bangladeshi workers overseas?
8. Whose economy benefits from Bangladeshi migrant workers?
9. What percentage of Bangladesh’s GDP comes from remittances?
10. How many Bangladeshi workers migrate abroad annually?

Challenges Faced (11-20)

11. Why are many Bangladeshi workers forced to take odd jobs abroad?
12. What problems do Bangladeshi workers face in host countries?
13. How does language barrier affect Bangladeshi workers?
14. What types of “odd jobs” do Bangladeshi workers typically do?
15. Why are Bangladeshi workers often underpaid?
16. What difficulties do workers face in adapting to foreign cultures?
17. How do working conditions affect Bangladeshi migrant workers?
18. What legal challenges do Bangladeshi workers encounter abroad?
19. Why do some workers become undocumented migrants?
20. What health risks do migrant workers commonly face?

Language Issues (21-30)

21. Why is English important for Bangladeshi migrant workers?
22. How does Arabic language proficiency help workers in the Gulf?
23. What language skills are most needed in Middle Eastern countries?
24. Where can Bangladeshi workers learn necessary languages before migration?
25. When should workers start learning foreign languages for migration?
26. Who provides language training for potential migrant workers?
27. Which languages would help workers in Southeast Asian countries?
28. What problems occur due to lack of language skills?
29. How can better language skills improve workers’ living conditions?
30. What percentage of Bangladeshi workers are proficient in host countries’ languages?

Economic Impact (31-40)

31. How do remittances benefit Bangladesh’s economy?
32. What percentage of families depend on migrant workers’ income?
33. Why are remittances crucial for Bangladesh’s foreign exchange?
34. How much foreign currency enters Bangladesh through remittances annually?
35. What economic sectors are supported by migrant workers’ remittances?
36. How does migration affect local employment in Bangladesh?
37. What impact does migration have on rural economies in Bangladesh?
38. Why do some families become dependent on migrant workers?
39. How has the pattern of remittance usage changed over time?
40. What percentage of Bangladeshi households have at least one migrant worker?

Solutions & Improvements (41-50)

41. How can the government better prepare workers for migration?
42. What training programs are available for potential migrant workers?
43. Why should language training be mandatory before migration?
44. How can recruitment processes be made more transparent?
45. What role should embassies play in protecting migrant workers?
46. How can workers be made aware of their rights abroad?
47. What measures can prevent worker exploitation in host countries?
48. Why is proper documentation important for migrant workers?
49. How can Bangladesh negotiate better terms for its workers abroad?
50. What long-term policies would benefit Bangladeshi migrant workers?

Here are the answers to all 50 WH questions in 2-sentence format:

General Questions (1-10)

1. Many Bangladeshis go abroad for better employment opportunities. They seek higher wages to support their families back home.
2. Countries like UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain have high demand. These Middle Eastern nations need foreign workers for construction and service sectors.
3. Most find employment in construction, domestic work and hospitality industries. These sectors require large numbers of manual laborers.
4. Labor migration became significant in the 1970s after oil booms. The trend increased steadily over subsequent decades.
5. They are viewed as hardworking but unskilled laborers. Some employers consider them less educated than workers from other countries.
6. Construction companies and individual households typically employ them. Many work as cleaners, drivers or domestic helpers.
7. Construction, manufacturing and domestic service sectors employ most. These labor-intensive fields need many workers.
8. Both Bangladesh’s and host countries’ economies benefit. Bangladesh gets remittances while host nations get labor.
9. About 6-7% of GDP comes from remittances. It’s one of Bangladesh’s largest foreign currency sources.
10. Approximately 500,000-700,000 migrate annually. The numbers fluctuate based on global economic conditions.

Challenges Faced (11-20)
11. Many take odd jobs due to lack of skills and language barriers. They often can’t qualify for better positions.

12. They face low wages, poor working conditions and cultural isolation. Some experience abuse and contract violations.
13. Language barriers limit job opportunities and communication. Workers can’t negotiate better terms or understand contracts.
14. Typical odd jobs include cleaning, garbage collection and street sweeping. These are low-status, low-paying positions.
15. They’re underpaid due to lack of skills, language barriers and weak bargaining power. Some employers exploit their vulnerable position.
16. Cultural differences in food, dress and social norms create difficulties. Many struggle with loneliness and homesickness.
17. Long hours, extreme heat and unsafe conditions affect health. Many work without proper safety equipment.
18. Visa issues, contract fraud and legal unfamiliarity cause problems. Some become undocumented when employers confiscate passports.
19. Some become undocumented when contracts end or employers abandon them. Others overstay visas seeking better opportunities.
20. They face heat stress, injuries and mental health issues. Poor living conditions and healthcare access worsen problems.

Language Issues (21-30)
21. English helps communicate in many international workplaces. It’s essential for understanding contracts and safety instructions.

22. Arabic helps daily life and work communication in Gulf nations. Basic skills prevent misunderstandings with employers.
23. Arabic is most needed in Middle East, English elsewhere. Local language basics help with shopping and transportation.
24. Training centers in Dhaka and other cities offer courses. Some NGOs provide free language classes.
25. Workers should start learning before applying for jobs. Early preparation allows better skill development.
26. Government institutes and private agencies provide training. Some recruitment agencies offer basic language instruction.
27. Malay helps in Malaysia, English in Singapore. Local language basics are useful everywhere.
28. Communication failures lead to accidents and conflicts. Workers can’t report abuses or understand warnings.
29. Better skills enable better jobs and social integration. Workers can negotiate terms and access services.
30. Only about 20-30% have basic proficiency. Most know just essential work-related phrases.

Economic Impact (31-40)

31. Remittances reduce poverty and boost foreign reserves. Families use money for food, education and housing.
32. About 10-15% of families depend on remittances. Rural areas especially rely on this income.
33. Remittances stabilize currency exchange rates. They cover trade deficits and import costs.
34. About $20-25 billion enters annually through remittances. This exceeds garment export earnings.
35. Agriculture, real estate and small businesses benefit most. Families invest in land and shops.
36. Migration reduces local unemployment but creates labor shortages. Some sectors lose skilled workers.
37. Rural economies improve through investment and consumption. Village markets grow from remittance spending.
38. When primary earners migrate, others depend on their income. Some families stop other income activities.
39. More money now goes to education and business than before. Consumption patterns have become more productive.
40. About 1 in 7 households has a migrant worker. The ratio is higher in certain regions.

Solutions & Improvements (41-50)

41. The government should expand pre-departure training programs. Better monitoring of recruitment agencies is needed.
42. Technical training centers offer basic skill courses. Some programs teach language and cultural adaptation.
43. Mandatory training would prevent communication problems. Workers could qualify for better jobs.
44. Clear fee structures and verified contracts would help. Online systems could track recruitment processes.
45. Embassies should provide legal aid and shelter. They must monitor worker conditions actively.
46. Pre-departure orientation should explain rights and procedures. Hotlines could assist workers abroad.
47. Bilateral agreements should enforce labor protections. Host countries must punish abusive employers.
48. Proper documents prevent trafficking and exploitation. Workers need secure passport storage.
49. Bangladesh could negotiate standard contracts and wages. Regional cooperation would strengthen bargaining.
50. Skill development programs and worker databases would help. Long-term plans should reduce dependence on unskilled migration.