Vested interests harass authorised manpower agencies
Despite the successful operation of 101 authorized local manpower recruiting agencies, which have facilitated the legal export of over 473,000 workers to Malaysia, concerns are mounting over a campaign aimed at undermining these agencies.
Recently, Altaf Khan, a figure linked to human trafficking, filed a case against these authorized agencies, raising alarm among stakeholders and experts. The agencies play a crucial role in Bangladesh’s economy, with remittances from expatriates recently surging by nearly 39% year-on-year, reaching $2.2 billion in September. This influx is vital for the country’s foreign exchange reserves and overall economic stability.
Khan, the owner of Afia Overseas, has faced arrest by Malaysian immigration authorities for human trafficking, adding further scrutiny to his motives in targeting the recruitment agencies. Observers suggest that his actions may be an attempt to sabotage the reputation of these legitimate organizations, potentially for personal gain and to curry favor with the interim government.
The ongoing efforts to bolster Bangladesh’s manpower export to Malaysia face significant challenges as allegations of human trafficking and smear campaigns emerge, said the experts.
Mirza Walid Shipon, President of the Bangladesh Jubo Arthonitibid Forum, emphasized the importance of protecting these recruiting agencies, calling for legal actions against those spreading false narratives. “These agencies are integral to our economy, and their integrity must be upheld to ensure continued remittance inflows,” he stated.
Bangladesh is witnessing a significant boost in remittance inflows, which are projected to positively impact the country’s current account. In the first 28 days of September 2024, expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately $2.11 billion, underscoring the critical role of authorized recruiting agencies in facilitating this economic lifeline.
Mirza Walid Shipon, President of the Bangladesh Jubo Arthonitibid Forum, emphasized the need for the interim government to reaffirm its commitment to national rebuilding. “To sustain this trend, the government must address the challenges faced by authorized recruitment agencies immediately,” he stated in an interview with Current View.
Shipon highlighted the impact of these agencies in driving remittances, which are essential for increasing foreign exchange reserves and stimulating economic activity. He urged the government to ensure a supportive environment for these legal agencies, enabling them to operate without unnecessary hurdles.
The recent surge in remittances not only contributes to economic stability but also reflects the determination of expatriates to support their families and communities back home. As Bangladesh continues to navigate economic challenges, the role of authorized recruiting agencies remains pivotal in maintaining this upward trend in remittance flows.
Shah Jamal Mostafa, Chairman and CEO of Amil Group, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the negative propaganda from vested interests poses a direct threat to manpower export and economic growth. Stakeholders urge the interim government, led by Dr. Yunus, to take decisive steps to safeguard these agencies and restore trust in the system.
Shah Jamal calls for advocating for justice and the integrity of Bangladesh’s manpower export mechanism to regain the country’s economic stability.
As Malaysia continues to be one of the largest destinations for Bangladeshi manpower, industry leaders are voicing strong concerns over negative narratives that threaten this vital export sector. Stakeholders emphasize that any vested interests attempting to undermine the reputation of Bangladesh’s manpower export mechanisms must be addressed.
“We are conducting our manpower export procedures in full compliance with all terms and conditions,” said an industry representative. “Such negative campaigns against our country are unacceptable, and we urge the interim government to take necessary steps to counteract this negativity.”
With a significant number of Bangladeshi workers employed in Malaysia, remittances from this sector play a crucial role in supporting the national economy. The call for government intervention aims to protect the integrity of authorized recruiting agencies and ensure that they can operate without facing undue challenges or misinformation.