Ministry outlines steps to help Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia

Dhaka, Aug 27 (bdnews24.com) – A ministerial meeting Monday recommended major steps to alleviate problems of Bangladeshis working in Malaysia. The steps include greater use of computer database, elimination of middlemen, more surveillance and frequent inspection of employers and strengthening the capacity building of the Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia. The meeting, chaired by foreign affairs adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, also in charge of the expatriate welfare and overseas employment ministry, drew up the recommendations in view of recent allegations of exploitation of workers, as reflected in the media. "Our workers are our great assets and have been making enormous contribution to our economy. The government is keenly aware of their problems and we remain committed to addressing them in a way that eliminates their sufferings," Iftekhar told reporters after the meeting in his foreign ministry office. "We are looking for new markets, and this year, 4,84,951 people have been cleared for overseas employment which is a record. "Our workers are not just revenue-earning machines, and we will do all that is possible to better their welfare," he said.