The Bangladesh Civil Society for Migrants (BCSM)—a coalition of 23 organizations working on migrant rights—has urged for the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia to be conducted without the involvement of syndicates and with full protection of workers’ rights and interests.
This appeal was made during a consultative meeting on the Malaysian labour market, held at Hotel Intercontinental, Dhaka, on Thursday, 8 May 2025. Along with BCSM member organizations 47 participants attend the event like as representative of recruiting agencies, migration experts, representative from chief advisor office etc. At the event, BCSM provided a comprehensive contextual briefing on the Malaysian labour market, highlighting current dynamics and historical challenges.
It was noted that, following nearly a year of suspension, Malaysia’s labour market is poised to reopen. As one of the key destinations for Bangladeshi migrant workers, Malaysia remains highly attractive to many aspiring migrants. The Advisor to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment is scheduled to visit Malaysia in May 2025, aiming to facilitate Bangladesh’s re-entry into the market under improved conditions.
BCSM pointed out that previous Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed between Bangladesh and Malaysia since 2012 failed to adequately protect the interests of either country. These agreements were undermined by a syndicate that operated outside the intended framework, raising migration costs up to BDT 550,000 and exploiting vulnerable workers.
A significant number of workers recruited through this system were placed in companies that lacked the capacity to employ them, leaving many stranded, jobless, and in desperate conditions—often surviving without sufficient food or depending on financial help from home. The widespread reports of exploitation have damaged the international reputations of both Bangladesh and Malaysia.
In April 2024, four UN Special Rapporteurs described the recruitment model as a form of forced labour and urged that the perpetrators be held accountable. The UN Human Rights Commission also voiced serious concern over labour practices in Malaysia.
In response, the current interim government of Bangladesh initiated a probe in October 2024 under the Anti-Trafficking Act. The investigation led to a formal request sent to Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking the return of two individuals for questioning. However, despite multiple inquiries by Malaysia, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs has yet to take further action. BCSM stressed the urgency of addressing this issue promptly to ensure a fair and safe reopening of the labour market.
Speaking at the event, BCSM Chair Professor Dr. Tasneem Siddiqui emphasized that while Malaysia remains a vital labour destination, the situation is complex. With the upcoming visit of the government advisor to Malaysia, BCSM considered it timely and necessary to offer constructive recommendations aimed at protecting workers and upholding national interests.
Other notable speakers included:
- Selim Reza, former Secretary, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment
- Mr. Fakhrul Islam, Former Joint Secretary General of BAIRA
- Binoy Krishna Mallick, Executive Director, Rights Jessore
- Sumaiya Islam, Executive Director, Bangladesh Nari Sramik Kendra
- Sanjida Sultana, Executive Director, Karmojibi Nari
- Riazul Islam, former Vice President, BAIRA
The event concluded with a call for transparent, ethical, and worker-centered migration processes to ensure sustainable and rights-based labour migration to Malaysia.
