Workers unable to go to Malaysia have announced the suspension of their protests following assurances from Dr Asif Nazrul, adviser to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.
The adviser pledged that the process of sending workers to Malaysia could resume by the end of March, prompting the protesters to pause their demonstration.
Earlier in the day, the protesters blocked the Kawran Bazar intersection in Dhaka, demanding solutions for their plight. After two hours, police moved the demonstrators to one side of the road.
The protesters later marched to the Expatriates' Welfare Building in Eskaton, where a four-member delegation met with the ministry’s Secretary, Md Ruhul Amin, and adviser Dr Asif Nazrul.
Following the meeting, Maeen Uddin Babu, a representative of the protesting workers, said: “We informed the adviser about our various situations — some have completed the manpower process, some have received visas, while others couldn’t proceed due to ticket issues. He attentively listened and assured us that those with completed manpower and visa processes will be sent to Malaysia in phases by the end of March. For those without completed processes, arrangements will be made subsequently.”
Asif Nazrul also addressed concerns regarding workers who had paid fees but made no progress. According to Maeen Uddin, the adviser assured that the ministry would facilitate refunds from recruitment agencies and, where possible, send affected workers to other countries through BOESL (Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited).
“We trust his commitment to act on his words, which is why we are suspending our protest for now,” said Maeen Uddin.
Md Ruhul Amin, secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare, confirmed efforts to send the 18,000 workers, who missed their migration deadline last year despite having visas, by March-April this year.
“We are addressing two key issues: arranging for workers to go to Malaysia and ensuring refunds from recruitment agencies that took payments,” said the secretary. He highlighted recent productive meetings between the Bangladeshi high commission and Malaysian authorities, where strategies to prevent further harassment of workers were discussed.
“While some procedural details are still being finalized, the Malaysian side has agreed to key proposals. Another meeting is scheduled for late February, and we anticipate starting the migration process in phases without significant delays,” added Ruhul Amin.
The secretary also reported that 81% of recruitment agencies had refunded workers’ payments, with action planned against those who fail to comply. “Our priority is to recover the money and enable workers to migrate.”
The issue stems from nearly 18,000 workers missing the May 31, 2023, deadline to enter Malaysia, leaving many stranded despite paying fees for the migration process. While protests have been ongoing for months, this recent assurance from the ministry provides hope for a resolution.
