MalaysiaEnhances Worker Protections for Bangladeshi Migrants Following Prime Minister’s Visit

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim committed to stronger safeguards for Bangladeshi migrant workers during a joint press conference with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Approximately 800,000 Bangladeshi workers, comprising a third of Malaysia’s migrant labor force, have reported issues such as unpaid wages and deceptive recruitment practices, leaving many stranded after upfront fees.
Anwar emphasized that “human resources cooperation, particularly concerning workers,” is vital to both nations. He condemned the exploitation of workers for personal or corporate gain, stating, “This persistent abuse cannot be accepted.”
Rahman, newly elected and on his first foreign trip since assuming office in February, advocated for transparent, fair, and affordable recruitment processes, calling for fewer intermediaries.
Last year, UN human rights experts highlighted “ongoing exploitation, deception, and increasing debt bondage” among Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia. They urged both governments to prevent workers from being criminalized or further victimized and to hold fraudulent agencies accountable.
Rahman is due to leave for China later Monday, where trade and infrastructure agreements will be discussed, per Bangladeshi foreign ministry statements.
His visit bypasses India, where relations have deteriorated since a 2024 uprising removed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a New Delhi ally. While Rahman’s interim government has improved ties with Bangladesh, tensions persist. Hasina remains in hiding in India, and Bangladesh continues to seek her extradition. India, wary of China’s regional influence, competes with Bangladesh for South Asian influence.

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