Members of a faction of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (Baira) have expressed concerns that the Malaysian labour market could face renewed risks if the planned conspiracies of dishonest syndicates are not stopped.
They alleged that just as the manpower export process is progressing after a long pause through a joint initiative between Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur, attempts are being made to sabotage the market using misinformation, fake demand letters, and malicious activities.
Baira members who advocate for quickly sending workers to Malaysia through selected agencies made these allegations at a press conference held at the National Press Club on Monday (September 21).
Demanding transparency in the worker export process, Atiqur Rahman Biswas, convener of the Labour Market Protection Movement, said: "Initially, 25 licences were approved, but later, through discussions, all eligible licenses were brought under the FWCMS. This is not a syndication; the market is open to all capable and interested license owners."
Malaysia halted the recruitment of workers from various countries, including Bangladesh, on May 31, 2024.
After a long hiatus, the process of reopening the labour market for Bangladeshi workers began in August of this year.
Thus far, 25 principal and 312 associate recruiting agencies have been approved.
At the press conference, Baira members claimed that only agencies fulfilling the required conditions have been included in the process this time.
They asserted that no financial transactions were made with any recruiting agency to get listed in the FWCMS. The agencies were selected strictly based on meeting the prescribed qualifications and conditions.
They noted that workers were sent to Malaysia from Bangladesh through 10 recruiting agencies during 2017-18, and through 101 principal and 250 associate agencies (including BOESL) from August 8, 2022, to May 31, 2024.
Around 476,000 Bangladeshi workers traveled to the country during that timeframe.
Highlighting how unscrupulous circles are damaging the market, Baira's former senior vice-president Abdul Gafur Bhuiyan said: "Market opponents are spreading confusion by claiming it costs Tk6 lakh to Tk8 lakh. This is ruining the country's image. The host country has its own rules and regulations; we cannot interfere with them."
The speakers also alleged that certain agencies and middlemen who failed to get listed in the previous process are now trying to obstruct the labour market anew through various programs, press conferences, and the spread of misinformation.
It was announced at the press conference that Malaysia has approved 25 principal and 312 associate agencies out of a list of 423 agencies submitted by Bangladesh.
The process of sending workers through these agencies is currently progressing.