In Bangladesh, everyone wants to work abroad. We’ve all seen people come back with savings, set up their own business, and their status in the community is completely changed. I was so excited to find someone who was able to help me get a job in Saudi Arabia working as a house helper. In Bangladesh, this is a low job, but working abroad, I was sure I’d make money. I’d be able to help my family, marry well, have a bright future. I boarded the plane with so much excitement. I’d never left Bangladesh before. I’d never thought I could have so much opportunity.
A man met me at the airport and took me to work for a family of six. I woke up at 5 am every morning and worked until 10 pm every day. I had no rest at all. I was willing to work hard though, for good money.
After one month I asked for my salary. I was shocked when they told me they had paid lots of money to bring me there. “You will get food only,” they said. I continued to plead with them, beg them, but all they did was beat me. Even now, I have the scars of this abuse. I knew they had my documents, but I didn’t know where. They just showed me a knife and threatened me if I ever made a mistake or complained.
I had to do all the shopping for the family. There was a woman at the shop I frequented who was also from Bangladesh. I confided in her all that I faced from this family. I told her I would run away. She told me that if I run away without my documents, the police will only put me in jail. She gave me a number of a police officer who I was able to call for help. The police came to the house, rescued me, and helped me get back to Bangladesh.
My dreams of working abroad never came true, but I am glad to be back in my country. After such a nightmare, I am happy now. I am living with my family and learning how to sew at Basha Enterprises. I will try to build new dreams in my own country.
Jaada
*Name changed
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