Take Steps to Tackle Youth Unemployment

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s assurance of possible support to ease our acute gas crisis is commendable. But as Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur seek closer bilateral ties, the plight of more than 100 Bangladeshi workers at Aerofoam Manufacturing (1969) Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia deserves equal attention. The problems faced by our migrant workers, however, are not confined to Aerofoam; workers at various Malaysian companies reportedly face similar difficulties and harassment.

According to a recent report, around 109 workers have filed claims with the Malaysian Labour Department over nearly three months of unpaid wages. Many have also seen their work permits expire or near expiry, leaving them vulnerable to immigration complications while their claims are being processed. The Bangladesh government should urgently engage with the Malaysian authorities to clarify the status of permit renewals and ensure that the workers are not detained or deported while their lawful claims remain under consideration.

The workers have also raised concerns over recruitment fees, deductions and living conditions. Some reportedly paid as much as RM20,000 in recruitment fees, while others complained about flight-ticket deposits, hostel deductions and the absence of proper pay slips. More concerning is the claim that around 35 workers are living in shipping containers on the company premises. These allegations must be properly investigated, and any violations established through due process should be addressed promptly.

The workers’ plight assumes greater significance as Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur seek to strengthen bilateral ties. During his recent telephone conversation with Malaysian premier Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman discussed Bangladesh’s energy crisis and wider cooperation in energy, investment and other sectors. Stronger bilateral relations are welcome, but they should not be measured only by trade, investment or energy cooperation. The welfare and protection of migrant workers must also be an integral part of the relationship.

Bangladesh sends thousands of workers abroad every year, and their remittances make a vital contribution to the national economy. However, many incur substantial costs before leaving the country and can subsequently become vulnerable to wage disputes, excessive deductions and uncertain employment conditions. Their protection, therefore, cannot end once they cross the border.

The government must strengthen oversight throughout the migration cycle, from recruitment and deployment to employment and eventual return. Recruitment agencies found charging excessive fees or misleading workers should face appropriate action, while employers found violating labour laws should be held accountable through due process.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur should maintain close contact with the affected workers, assess their immediate humanitarian needs and help facilitate the recovery of unpaid wages and other lawful entitlements. Emergency food and other essential assistance should also be provided where necessary.

The Aerofoam case should encourage Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur to strengthen mechanisms for resolving migrant-worker disputes and protecting workers while legal proceedings are under way. Our migrant workers are not merely sources of remittances. They are citizens who deserve fair treatment, safety and dignity wherever they work. As bilateral ties deepen, protecting those who contribute so much to our economy must remain a shared responsibility.