Bangladesh News

The Malaysian authorities have agreed for the first time to allow transfer of Bangladeshi workers from one company to another.

Malaysian and Bangladesh embassy officials informed Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury of the latest concession during his brief stopover at Kuala Lumpur on Thursday on way back home from Tokyo.

The officials told the adviser that a Workers’ Welfare Committee had been set up to assist the Bangladesh high commission to tackle the workers problems.

Besides, a hostel to accommodate 800-1,000 workers has been set up as a shelter for the distressed workers and a microbus is being procured for their transport.

The foreign adviser was further informed that additional personnel are being hired to strengthen the Bangladesh mission’s hands. Discussions were also held about the possibility of ‘outsourcing’ some critical functions to enhance the mission’s effectiveness.

Iftekhar hoped these measures will have positive impact in dealing with the problems and ensure welfare of the Bangladeshi workers.

The welfare of Bangladeshi workers abroad must get top priority, he said.

The Malaysian officials told the adviser that they will help in every possible way and control those Malaysian agents who are responsible for the plight of the Bangladeshi workers.

So far, 3,10,000 Bangladeshis have gone to Malaysia against the attestation given for 4,30,000.

Iftekhar said Bangladesh and Malaysia have decided to start formal foreign office consultations within a month.

During his transit halt in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, the Foreign Adviser had meetings with Secretary General of the Malaysian Foreign Ministry Tan Sri Rastam Mohammed Isa, Secretary General of the Malaysina Home Ministry Dato Raja Azhar bin Raja Abdul Manap and Under Secretary of the Foreign Ministry Dato Husin Zia Yaacob. Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia M Khairuzzaman was present.

The adviser also met the leaders of the newly formed Bangladesh Workers Welfare Association and discussed with them as to how to effectively address the problems being faced by the Bangladeshi workers.