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of excessive labour supply and high cost of recruitment.

Between 2022 and May 31, 2024, Malaysia recruited about 4,50,000 Bangladeshi workers through a syndicate of 101 recruitment agents, selected unilaterally by Malaysia despite Bangladesh’s call for making it a syndicate-free recruitment mechanism.

The recruitment cost for an individual was fixed at Tk 79,000 ($750), but each migrant worker spent between $4,500 and $6,000 for a job in Malaysia, according a UN report.

This is the first ministerial visit to Malaysia since the BNP government took office, aimed at reviving talks on Bangladeshi access to Malaysia’s labour market.

Dhaka expressed full support and readiness to collaborate in implementing the technology-based platform as a global initiative engaging all other sending countries.

The details of the digital platform could not be known, but the two countries committed to a fair, ethical, and transparent recruitment process, including addressing structural challenges to reduce intermediaries and migration costs.

They also discussed utilising credible and qualified recruitment agencies, as well as establishing measures to quickly facilitate the recruitment of several thousand Bangladeshis who could not travel to Malaysia despite having work visas, as Malaysia had set a cut-off date and frozen the entry of foreign workers after May 31, 2024.

The two sides exchanged views on addressing challenges faced by irregular workers and enhancing cooperation in skills development, training, certification, and information sharing, to better align labour supply with market demand and improve productivity.

They also discussed concerns regarding ongoing legal cases related to human trafficking in worker recruitment in Malaysia.

The joint statement, however, did not mention specific cases. On April 23 last year, Malaysia wrote to Bangladesh, requesting the review or withdrawal of the cases.

During the interim government, a number of recruiting agencies were sued on human trafficking charges related to labour recruitment.

At the meeting, the Malaysian side stressed addressing any unfounded or malicious actions that may affect its international reputation, while the Bangladesh side reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, accountability, and timely justice.

A migrant rights researcher, wishing not to be named, said Malaysia is sensitive about media reporting on irregularities in foreign worker recruitment as it has already affected its image internationally.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has extended an invitation to his Bangladeshi counterpart Tarique Rahman to visit Malaysia at a mutually convenient time.

He extended the invitation as Ariful and Mahdi called on him at his office in Putrajaya yesterday. He also extended warm felicitations to Tarique on his election victory.

Mahdi conveyed warm personal greetings of Tarique to Anwar and handed over a letter from the Bangladesh leader.

The two sides also explored avenues to enhance bilateral trade and investment, with both parties expressing interest in expanding economic engagement for mutual benefit, cooperation in education sector, including the exchange of teachers and academic collaboration.