Bangladesh, Malaysia reaffirm transparent recruitment system to prevent worker exploitation
The discussions focused on labour markets and worker recruitment, with both sides emphasising their commitment to preventing exploitation and ensuring transparent, efficient and fair recruitment processes.
Bangladesh and Malaysia have reiterated their commitment to ensuring a transparent, clean, and efficient recruitment system aimed at preventing the exploitation of migrant workers.
The assurance came during a high-level meeting in Putrajaya between Bangladesh's Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, according to a press release issued today (9 April) by the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.
The Bangladesh delegation included Mahdi Amin, adviser to the prime minister, along with the high commissioner.
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During the meeting, both sides held substantive discussions on labour migration and emphasized the importance of a fair and accountable recruitment framework.
They reaffirmed their shared commitment to curb irregularities and ensure that workers are recruited through ethical and transparent processes, safeguarding their rights and welfare.
At the outset, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim congratulated Tarique Rahman on his election as Prime Minister of Bangladesh and commended the country's longstanding democratic journey and continued socio-economic progress.
Anwar also praised Bangladesh's longstanding democratic journey and continued socio-economic progress, while the Bangladesh delegation conveyed greetings from the prime minister and handed over a personal letter during the meeting.
Beyond labour issues, the discussions also covered avenues for expanding bilateral trade and investment.
Both countries expressed keen interest in strengthening economic ties and exploring new opportunities for mutual growth.
Cooperation in the education sector was also highlighted, with both sides discussing initiatives such as teacher exchanges and academic collaboration to further deepen people-to-people connections.
The Malaysian prime minister extended an invitation to his Bangladeshi counterpart to visit Malaysia at a mutually convenient time.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and reaffirming their commitment to further enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors.
Malaysia's labour market for Bangladeshi workers has remained closed since 31 May 2024 over allegations of recruitment agency syndicates and worker exploitation.
