Rid manpower sector of illegal 'syndicate': TIB

Expressing concern over the Malaysian government's decision to suspend recruitment of manpower from Bangladesh, the Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB) called for knocking down the existing 'syndicate' to check illegal manpower business.

"It (suspension) would create an adverse impact on the country's manpower export. At the same time, it would help eliminate the illegal syndicate active in the manpower export sector," the TIB said in a statement on Sunday.

The TIB issued the statement in the wake of media reports that the Malaysian government has decided to suspend the hiring of workers hiring from Bangladesh due to illegal activities of the 'syndicate' in the sector.

In August, Malaysia, one of the major labour markets for Bangladesh, came up with the decision to suspend a system of labour recruitment from Bangladesh from September 1.

Malaysia showed a syndicate's monopoly control of the manpower export in Bangladesh as a reason behind such a decision, according to the media reports.

The Bangladesh chapter of TI also urged the authority concerned to take necessary steps to rid the labour export sector of the 'syndicate'.

TIB executive director Iftekharuzzaman called on the authorities to accept the decision positively, which has opened up opportunities for both the countries to work out a solution and resume the labour hiring process soon.

He stressed the need for ensuring accountability and transparency in this sector, which is a major source of foreign remittance.

He also demanded that the government take action against corrupt officials and others involved in the 'syndicate'.

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