Dhaka-20, Feni-2 MPs deny allegations of involvement in embezzling money from Malaysia-bound workers

Denying allegations against some members of parliament being involved in embezzling money from Malaysia-bound workers, Dhaka-20 MP Benjir Ahmed said no one can prove this accusation. 

"No one can prove that MPs have embezzled money from Malaysia-bound labourers. A group is spreading propaganda to destroy the labour market by tarnishing the country's image in destination countries," said Benjir, also the proprietor of Ahmed International and a member of 100 syndicate-affiliated agencies sending workers to Malaysia, during a press conference today (4 May).

Also speaking at the conference on the current situation of the Malaysian labour market, held at Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Convention Hall Feni-2 MP Nizam Uddin Hazari said, "There is no word called syndicate in the Malaysian labour market."

The allegations against some MPs, including Benjir and Nizam, surfaced after media reports claimed that lawmakers are earning crores from the Malaysian labour market by embezzling money from aspiring workers.

Nizam, also the Snigdha Overseas Ltd's chairman, said, "I was not involved in buying visas [demand letters] in Malaysia. We only processed the paperwork for the workers sent by various sub-agents."

He said his agency had processed applications of 8,396 immigration aspirant workers.

"As an agency owner, I, along with another 1,500 agencies, applied to the Malaysian government to send workers. Coincidentally, my agency also got the job," he added.

"We have not taken a single taka more than the government fixed fee of Tk78,900… A broker class has taken money from the workers," MP added.

There have been allegations that Malaysia-bound workers were having to pay between Tk4-Tk7 lakh in fees. Despite paying the money, about 17,000 people were unable to go to Malaysia on time as per government regulations. Their agencies failed to provide them with tickets on time.

Ruhul Amin Swapon, a leader of the syndicate-affiliated agencies and former general secretary of Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) claimed, "The actual number of workers who did not go is around 5,000 [not 17,000]. They will be sent to Malaysia through the ministry or we will return their money."

BAIRA President Abul Bashar said, "BAIRA will issue a public notice for registration of those who could not go. All the workers who register will be compensated.

Don't know MPs, action will be taken against those responsible: Expat state minister

Earlier on 2 June, State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Shofiqur Rahman Chowdhury said punitive actions will be taken against those responsible for the plight of aspirant migrants who were unable to go to Malaysia despite paying substantial sums of money.

The minister said those responsible would be held accountable according to the law. "[However] I don't know the MPs. We have no deal with them," he said.