Jamaat-e-Islami strongly condemns, protests alleged syndicate of labor market in Malaysia
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned and protested the alleged takeover of Bangladesh's labor market in Malaysia through a syndicate of 25 recruiting agencies. The right wing party claims that such a system not only harms national interests but also places an excessive financial burden on ordinary workers.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the party's Secretary General and former MP, Mia Golam Parwar, vented his condemnation and protest.
The statement noted that Malaysia's labor market is extremely important for Bangladeshis. Expatriates working in that country are making significant contributions to the national economy while also ensuring the well-being of their own families. The government has a moral responsibility to protect their interests, ensure a safe working environment, stop harassment, and guarantee their financial security.
Jamaat alleged that an unscrupulous government circle has engaged in anti-state activities by bringing several recruiting agencies under a syndicate for sending manpower abroad. This has also created anxiety and frustration among the general members of BAIRA, the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies.
According to various sources, a syndicate-based labor market system has effectively been created after the Bangladesh and Malaysian governments recently selected only 25 recruiting agencies to send workers. The statement recalled that in the past, the formation of syndicates through a limited number of agencies resulted in the extraction of excessive fees from ordinary workers, leaving thousands of workers victimized.
Jamaat expressed concern that under this new system, a worker may have to spend up to 6 to 7 lakh taka to go to Malaysia. This expense would become a massive financial burden for an ordinary worker and their family.
The party further stated that there are over 2,000 valid recruiting agencies in Bangladesh. Therefore, the alleged syndicate formed through 25 specific agencies in Malaysia's labor market must be dismantled, and open, transparent, and equal opportunities must be ensured for BAIRA members and experienced recruiting agencies. This would protect ordinary workers from fraud, excessive costs, and potential exploitation.
The statement urged the government to take effective steps to ensure easy and low-cost access for Bangladeshis to international labor markets, including Malaysia. At the same time, it emphasized the government's responsibility to protect citizens' interests through diplomatic initiatives, ensure their safety, and safeguard expatriates from fraud.
In its call for a safe and transparent overseas labor market, the statement noted that allegations have arisen against officials of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment regarding their involvement with the syndicate, which is alarming. Jamaat expressed its expectation that the government will distance itself from all anti-public-interest activities and take swift action.
