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Ahmadul Kobir, Malaysia: The Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia has secured more than Tk 52 crore in compensation and financial benefits for thousands of Bangladeshi workers and their families over the past 18 months, reinforcing efforts to protect the rights and welfare of expatriate workers.
According to official data, the High Commission facilitated RM 11.418 million (approximately Tk 34.25 crore) in compensation and other benefits in 2025, covering 2,857 claims involving workplace accidents, permanent disabilities, fatalities and other labour-related cases.
During the first six months of 2026, the mission secured an additional RM 5.88 million (around Tk 17.67 crore) for 1,381 claims, bringing the total compensation recovered since January 2025 to RM 17.298 million, equivalent to nearly Tk 52 crore.
Officials said the largest share of the compensation was paid to workers who temporarily lost their ability to work following workplace accidents. In 2025 alone, around RM 3.5 million was disbursed under temporary disability benefits covering 2,293 claims, while another RM 3.5 million was paid for 155 permanent disability claims.
The compensation package also included financial assistance for dependants, funeral expenses and the cost of repatriating the bodies of deceased workers.
Officials at the Bangladesh High Commission said the recovered compensation represents more than financial assistance. It reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of Bangladeshi migrant workers, many of whom are unaware of the legal procedures required to claim compensation after workplace accidents or deaths.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury said protecting the rights and welfare of expatriate Bangladeshis remains one of the mission’s highest priorities.
“We maintain regular coordination with the relevant Malaysian authorities to ensure that no Bangladeshi worker or their family is deprived of rightful compensation,” he said, adding that officials have been instructed to provide prompt consular services, legal guidance and other necessary assistance.
Minister (Labour) at the High Commission Siddiqur Rahman said the Labour Wing has been working continuously under the High Commissioner’s guidance to resolve unpaid wages, compensation claims and other labour-related disputes.
He noted that many workers remain unaware of their legal rights and the procedures for filing compensation claims.
Alongside processing claims, the mission has therefore intensified awareness initiatives to help workers better understand their entitlements.
“The Labour Wing is giving priority to monitoring and resolving all genuine claims as quickly as possible,” he said.
Leaders of the Bangladeshi expatriate community welcomed the High Commission’s efforts but said additional measures are needed to strengthen legal assistance, improve awareness and ensure faster resolution of workers’ complaints.
They noted that language barriers, complex documentation requirements and fraudulent practices by intermediaries often prevent migrant workers from accessing benefits they are legally entitled to receive.
Community leader Talha Mahmud said establishing a coordinated network of Bangladeshi workers across Malaysia would improve communication with the High Commission and help deliver emergency support and essential services more efficiently.
Expatriate leaders also stressed that, alongside the High Commission, Bangladeshi community organisations and social groups should play a more active role in supporting migrant workers.
They said the High Commission’s success in recovering compensation has become a positive example of protecting the rights, safety and welfare of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia, while highlighting the importance of stronger institutional support for one of Bangladesh’s largest overseas workforces.