Jamaat Ameer vows to dismantle syndicates in overseas labour markets

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman has threatened a people-backed movement to dismantle alleged syndicates in overseas labour recruitment, particularly amid concerns over the selection of 25 agencies for Malaysia’s labour market. 

He also called for greater protection for migrant workers and a transparent recruitment system.

The syndicates and networks formed during the previous regime are continuing to operate, he added.

He made the remarks while addressing a national seminar, “Syndicate and Malaysia’s Labour Market: Bangladesh’s Partnership,” at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club in the capital on Thursday.

“If the government fails to take action against such syndicates, our party will launch a movement with the people to dismantle them,” he said.

Dr Shafiqur said the problems facing Bangladeshi migrant workers are not limited to Malaysia, as workers in several countries in Asia and the Middle East are also facing difficulties.

Referring to allegations that Bangladeshi workers holding valid visas were sent back after arriving at airports in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, he said calling expatriates "remittance warriors" would not be enough unless their rights were protected.

"Remittance workers deserve dignity and protection. The government must take effective measures to resolve their problems," he said.

On the Malaysian labour market, the Jamaat chief alleged that an attempt was being made to establish a new syndicate involving 25 master recruiting agencies. He demanded an explanation from the government over media reports alleging investments ranging from Tk 15 crore to Tk 22 crore in connection with the agencies.

He said Bangladeshi workers often have to spend Tk 5 lakh to Tk 7 lakh to go abroad, forcing many to take on substantial debt.

"If necessary, the demand to dismantle syndicates will be added to our seven-point movement, making it an eight-point demand," he said.

Addressing the seminar, Bangladesh Sramik Kallyan Federation President Advocate Atikur Rahman called for a neutral investigation into the selection of the 25 recruiting agencies, their licences and the alleged financial transactions.

The seminar said that Malaysia's Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS) had published a list of 25 Bangladeshi recruiting agencies on August 21 to recruit workers from Bangladesh. The publication of the list has prompted questions about how the agencies were selected and how the recruitment process will operate.

Barrister A S M Shahriar Kabir, an advocate of the Supreme Court, called for a transparent recruitment system, clearly defined fees, digital receipts for financial transactions, verification of genuine job orders and stronger oversight of recruiting agencies and sub-agents.

The Opposition Leader also called for voting rights for expatriate Bangladeshis, saying every citizen who is a registered voter should have the right to vote regardless of whether they live in Bangladesh or abroad.