Photo: Collected
The frustration of workers unable to go to Malaysia is mounting. Despite possessing valid visas and work permits until May 31, a significant number of workers are being denied the opportunity to depart. With the Malaysian government adamant about not extending the deadline, the fate of around 30,000 workers remains uncertain. A vast majority of these workers had paid exorbitant fees exceeding Tk 6 lakh each to recruiting agents to facilitate their employment in Malaysia. By that calculation, recruiting agents have collectively received a staggering sum of around Tk 18,000 crore. Grave concerns linger regarding the possibility of these workers recovering their hard-earned money.
The recruiting agency organization Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) is also divided on this issue. Some BAIRA leaders say they will not take responsibility. A syndicate was formed to send workers to Malaysia. While BAIRA has 2,200 licensed organisations, only around 100 licenses were used for sending workers to Malaysia. So why should the entire organisation take responsibility? On the other hand, leaders say those who formed the syndicate and caused such massive damage to the country should be boycotted and even have their licenses revoked and expelled from the organisation.
On Tuesday evening, a discussion meeting was held at the Officers' Club in the capital under the banner of BAIRA Sammilita Parishad. Although the discussion topic was ‘Problems, Potential and Actions for Manpower Export’, the main issue discussed was the failures of workers to go to Malaysia and the mismanagement surrounding it.
BAIRA Joint Secretary General Fakhrul Islam said, “A syndicate repeatedly formed syndicates to send workers to Malaysia. Due to their actions, the Malaysian market has been closed repeatedly. But this time, they have formed an unprecedented syndicate and embezzled thousands of crores of taka. When 30 to 40 thousand workers could not go, they are trying to make various excuses and blame others. But we believe that due to the extreme failure of a few syndicate agents, we have been repeatedly harmed. The main culprits of the syndicate took at least 5 times more money than the government fees. Even after taking the money, they could not complete the necessary process (BMIT) on time. As a result, a huge number of workers could not go.”
He said if BAIRA's 2,200 licensed recruiting agents were given the work for Malaysia, there would not have been so many problems. They could have sent workers on time. Although the Malaysian government set May 31 as the final deadline, that syndicate did not pay heed to it. As a result, this catastrophic situation occurred. Those who could not go have suffered financial losses.
Fakhrul Islam said that now there are attempts to make various excuses regarding this failure. BAIRA will not take responsibility for this failure in any way. The responsibility lies with a few agents of the syndicate. The current president and general secretary have held press conferences to defend themselves, falling into the trap of the syndicate. But BAIRA's 2,200 licensed agents will not accept this.
In response to a question, he said, “The agents who prevented workers from going to Malaysia will have to return their money. And an investigation committee has been formed by the ministry. They should submit an unbiased report against those responsible. If necessary, we will also request the Prime Minister to take action against these masked agents.”
Former BAIRA President M H Selim said, “Business belongs to those who have a license. This principle should be followed. But one party will do business worth thousands of crores, and at the same time, due to irregularities and corruption, workers will not be able to go, which will tarnish the country's image—this cannot be allowed.” He warned that BAIRA may expel this syndicate if necessary.
On the other hand, Malaysian High Commissioner to Dhaka Haznah Md. Hashim did not give any good news regarding the workers who could not go to Malaysia within the stipulated time to enter the country. He said the Malaysian government is strict about the deadline.
After a meeting with State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury on Wednesday, the High Commissioner said this to reporters.
Haznah Md. Hashim said, “We had already announced it. We had set a specific deadline, which was May 31. Because, we wanted to ensure uniformity in applying this timeframe for 15 source countries. This is not only applicable to Bangladesh but all 15 source countries.”
He said, “If we reconsider it anew, we have to do it for all 15 source countries. In addition to that, the flaws need to be addressed. The state minister has requested to consider the issue. I will convey this message to Kuala Lumpur.”
Even after the Malaysian government's deadline, visas were issued in the names of workers on June 2. When his attention was drawn to this, the High Commissioner said this information is not correct. The Malaysian government is strict about the timeframe.
In response to a question about workers not getting jobs in Malaysia, he said, “The Malaysian government will look into this matter. I do not want to say anything more about this.”
Messenger/Fameema
