MD ABBAS

A cartel of overseas recruitment agents that once exploited Bangladeshi workers migrating to Malaysia is allegedly becoming active again -- this time without the involvement of Awami League leaders.

Industry insiders say this has been happening just as the interim government is trying to get Malaysia to resume taking Bangladesh workers. Overseas employment Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul is expected to visit Malaysia on May 15 to discuss the matter.

Amid reports of irregularities, Malaysia suspended hiring Bangladeshi workers several times, the latest being in June 2024.

Before the suspension, thousands of crores of taka changed hands, with each worker having to spend around Tk 544,000 even though the ceiling set by the government was just Tk 78,990.

The Anti-Corruption Commission is currently investigating ex-finance minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, and former lawmakers Nizam Uddin Hazari, Lt Gen (retired) Masud Uddin Association

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