Debts haunt jailed Bangladeshi migrants

From Global development | The Guardian Mon Jan 7 2013, 07:00:01

Remittances to Bangladesh dwarf foreign aid, but as Biltu Mia and 19 others who ended up in a Tanzanian prison discovered, working abroad is beset with problems

The guard had a shiny bald head and bloodshot eyes. Every time he walked by, he spat and muttered in Swahili, "Beggars! Stinking beggars!"

Biltu Mia, 31, from the Manikganj district of central Bangladesh, cannot get the memory out of his head. He spent nearly a year in Tanzania's notorious Ukonga prison, on the outskirts of Dar-es-Salaam, after being picked up by immigration police in October 2011.

Mia says he slept in a space 3ft across and had to trade prison food for a tunic after his only shirt started to rot. The toilets overflowed and the guards carried out rectal searches when hunting for cigarettes and contraband.

[view whole blog post ]
 See More    |     Report Abuse


You might also be interested in the following news stories:

Tanzania:  More Than 150 Killed in Flooding and Landslides in Tanzania (news)
Radio France Internationale
26 Avril 2024

At least 155 people have died in floods and landslides in Tanzania following weeks of heavy rain that has pounded East Africa. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said the El Nino climate pattern had ... [read more]

Tanzania:  Mbumba Leaves for Tanzania (news)
New Era
26 Avril 2024

President Nangolo Mbumba yesterday morning travelled to attend the 60th anniversary celebration of the Union Day of the Republic of Tanzania. The event marks the historic merger of Tanganyika and ... [read more]

Kenya:  Flooding in Tanzania and Kenya Claims Scores of Lives (news)
Deutsche Welle
25 Avril 2024

After days of torrential rain across East Africa, Tanzania's prime minister says at least 155 people have been killed in flooding, while at least 13 killed have died in neighboring Kenya. Flooding ... [read more]



blogAfrica is allAfrica.com's platform to help you keep an ear on the African blogosphere. We draw diverse voices from around the world who post regularly and insightfully about African issues. Bloggers, submit your blog's rss-feed!