During a recent visit to Kuala Lumpur, the top adviser addressed the Rohingya crisis but overlooked the plight of Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia who have been exploited by syndicates in both countries. While discussing the need for a more transparent recruitment system, accountability for past exploitation cases was not emphasized. Approximately 480,000 Bangladeshi workers migrated to Malaysia between August 2022 and May 2024 through agencies approved by Malaysian authorities, paying significantly more than agreed upon in a 2021 MoU.
There are concerns about the transparency of future recruitment without holding those responsible for defrauding the workers accountable. Many of these migrants are facing issues such as being undocumented, unemployed, unpaid, or underpaid, as reported by rights organizations. The UN has raised concerns about criminal networks involved in fraud and alleged complicity or negligence at high government levels.
Despite allegations, the former expatriates’ welfare minister, former MPs, and agency owners were cleared of charges related to human trafficking and money laundering by Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department. The absence of labor welfare-related agreements from the deals signed during the visit is disappointing. While the promise of equal social benefits for Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia is welcomed, the regularization of undocumented workers and accountability for past abuses should be prioritized.
It is crucial for the Bangladesh government to urge Malaysia to cooperate in investigating recruitment syndicates and make the ACC’s findings public. The government must take a stronger stance on seeking justice for exploited workers and prioritize their protection, dignity, and rights over remittance earnings. The interim government’s support from Bangladeshi migrant workers underscores the need for decisive action in ensuring justice and fairness for those who have been exploited.