UNB, Dhaka

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

The foreign affairs adviser, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, was on Thursday apprised of this concession by Malaysian officials during his stopover at Kuala Lumpur 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.

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 in dealing with various issues. Discussions were also held on the possibility of ‘outsourcing’ some critical functions to enhance the mission’s effectiveness.

Iftekhar hoped that these measures would help in dealing with the problems of Bangladeshi workers and ensure their welfare. The Malaysian officials told the adviser that they would help in every possible way and control the Malaysian agents who are responsible for the plight of the Bangladeshi workers.

So far, 310,000 Bangladeshis have gone to Malaysia against the attestations given for 430,000. Iftekhar said Bangladesh and Malaysia have decided to start formal Foreign Office Consultations within a month’s time.

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 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 how to effectively address the problems facing the Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia.

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