For many families in Sirajganj, a passport handed over to a son or daughter carries more than a travel document — it carries hopes of a better home, debt repayment and a brighter future.
Every year, thousands of men and women from the district leave for Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and other destinations in search of work. While many succeed in transforming their families’ fortunes, others return with stories of deception, debt and despair.
According to the Sirajganj District Employment and Manpower Office, 37,803 people registered for legal overseas employment between January 2021 and December 2025. In 2025 alone, 10,382 people from the district applied to go abroad, while 10,494 workers eventually travelled overseas.
Behind these figures are thousands of families who have invested their savings, borrowed money or sold land to fund migration. For some, the gamble pays off. Remittances have helped families build new homes, buy land, start businesses and support children’s education.
But for others, the dream quickly turns into a nightmare. Many migrants fall victim to brokers who promise high-paying jobs and better living conditions. After arriving abroad, some discover that the promised jobs do not exist, salaries are far lower than expected, or their legal documents are incomplete.
“Going abroad does not guarantee a better life for everyone,” said returnee migrant Md Nur Alam. “Some people earn well, but many face serious difficulties. The risk of fraud is especially high when people depend on middlemen.”
Another returnee, Md Almas, said many workers take loans or sell property after being promised attractive jobs overseas. “Once they arrive, they often find a completely different reality — lower wages, poor accommodation and no sign of the work they were promised.”
Despite these challenges, migrant workers remain a major force behind the local economy. Bangladesh Bank data shows that Sirajganj received around $155.10 million in remittances during the 2025–26 financial year, equivalent to nearly Tk1,900 crore. On average, the district received around Tk158 crore in remittances every month.
The money sent home has strengthened local markets and supported construction, agriculture, transport and small businesses.
Officials say safe migration is the key to protecting workers and their families. Md Abdul Hannan, assistant director of the Sirajganj District Employment and Manpower Office, said those who register through official channels are “remittance warriors” contributing to the district’s economy.
He urged prospective migrants to avoid relying on brokers and to verify job offers, visas and documents before paying money. Proper training and accurate information can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation, he added.
For many people in Sirajganj, overseas employment remains one of the biggest opportunities to change their lives. Yet the journey should not become a path that takes away a family’s last savings.
When a young worker boards a flight abroad, he does not carry only a suitcase. He carries his parents’ lifetime savings, a spouse’s hopes and a child’s dreams.
Protecting that suitcase of dreams requires safe migration, skills training, reliable information and strong action against fraud — because every migrant worker represents not only a family’s future, but also a vital part of Sirajganj’s economic strength.
