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Ahmadul Kobir, Malaysia: The Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia has stressed the need for coordinated efforts among employers, workers, Malaysian authorities and other stakeholders to protect the rights and welfare of Bangladeshi migrant workers.
The issue was highlighted by Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia Mosammat Shahanara Monica during a panel discussion titled “From Commitment to Action: Sharing Best Practices on Human Rights Due Diligence Across Supply Chain”, organised by the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) in Penang on September 8.
Speaking at the discussion, Shahanara Monica highlighted the experiences of Bangladeshi migrant workers and the challenges they face at different stages of the migration cycle. These include recruitment-related debt, unpaid wages, immigration-related complications and problems that may persist even after workers are repatriated.
She said protecting workers’ rights requires attention throughout the entire migration cycle, rather than focusing only on the recruitment stage. Effective coordination among relevant stakeholders is essential to ensure timely grievance resolution, access to remedies, welfare support and dignified repatriation.
The Deputy High Commissioner said the Bangladesh High Commission is working as a bridge between workers, employers, Malaysian authorities and other stakeholders to facilitate the resolution of grievances and provide necessary support to migrant workers.
According to the High Commission, it has received nearly 450 complaints from Bangladeshi workers since the current recruitment cycle began in 2022, involving issues such as unpaid wages, visa renewals and other employment-related problems.
More than 330 of the complaints have been resolved through mediation between workers and employers, with support from Malaysian authorities and other relevant partners.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of human rights due diligence in protecting migrant workers. Particular emphasis was placed on identifying and addressing potential risks throughout the migration process — from recruitment and employment to wages, valid immigration documentation, working conditions and the period following repatriation.
The Bangladesh High Commission emphasised that government initiatives alone are not sufficient to ensure effective protection of migrant workers’ rights. The active participation of employers, businesses, supply-chain companies, relevant authorities and workers themselves is essential.
The sharing of the High Commission’s experience at the Penang discussion underscored the importance of stronger cooperation among stakeholders to protect the rights of Bangladeshi migrant workers, resolve grievances and promote humane and dignified migration in Malaysia.