Foreign-Affairs
Bangladesh, Qatar to sign 6 deals, 5 MoUs during Qatar Emir’s state visit, says foreign minister
Bangladesh and Qatar will sign 11 cooperation documents - six agreements and five MoUs as Dhaka is ready to welcome Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday afternoon.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud came up with the update while briefing the media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar Md. Nazrul Islam and MoFA Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin, among others, were present.
The six agreements that will be signed between Bangladesh and Qatar on Tuesday are related to avoidance of double taxation and tax evasion; cooperation in legal affairs, mutual investment promotion and protection; transportation by sea; exchange of prisoners and formation of joint business council.
The five MoUs will be signed in the areas of manpower sector cooperation; port management; higher education and scientific research; cooperation in the field of youth and sports and cooperation in diplomatic training.
"With this visit, the relations between Bangladesh and Qatar will reach a new height. This is the first-ever high level visit from any country of the Middle-East after the formation of new government in January this year," said the foreign minister.
A high-level Qatari delegation headed by Qatar’s emir will pay the state visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of the President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
He is scheduled to arrive on Monday afternoon by a special flight while President Mohammed Shahabuddin will receive the emir amid gun salute and a wider ceremony at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Apart from areas of cooperation on bilateral front, global issues including Palestine-Israel will also be discussed where Bangladesh will highlight its position.
"Naturally, this discussion can come up. Killings in Gaza should be stopped. Everyone wants it. We want it," said the foreign minister.
Qatar, a country rich in petroleum and natural gas with the highest average per capita income, is considered an influential country in the Middle East due to its strong economy, geopolitical position and diplomatic activity and mediation, said the foreign minister.
Responding to a question, he said the energy issue will come up for discussion with due importance and hoped that the visit will play an important role ensuring Bangladesh’s energy security.
Qatar is one of the important labour markets of Bangladesh in the Middle East where about four lakh Bangladeshis are working, he said, adding that Qatar is one of the most important sources of energy imports for Bangladesh.
“The visit of the emir of Qatar will be considered as a milestone in the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Qatar.” Hasan said.
Through the successful implementation of Bangladesh's foreign policy under the opportune leadership of the prime minister, Bangladesh's relationship with Qatar will be strengthened, he added.
The government, in a gazette notification, has already declared the emir as a very important person during his two-day visit to Bangladesh.
Some of the Dhaka streets are seen decorated with the photos of Qatar’s emir, along with Bangladesh president and the prime minister ahead of the visit.
Ambassador Imran urges expatriates to send remittances through legal channels
Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran has urged the expatriate Bangladeshis to send remittances through legal channels to further strengthen the country’s economy.
He also called upon them to project the country’s tremendous success stories to further brighten its image abroad.
The ambassador was speaking as the chief guest at the Customers’ Gathering and SECI App Campaign of Sonali Exchange at the Bangabandhu Auditorium of Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC recently.
Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC and and Sonali Exchange, a subsidiary company of Sonali Bank PLC, jointly organised the programme to create awareness about sending remittance to Bangladesh through legal channel, according to a message received from the embassy here on Sunday.
Trade through Tamabil land port resumes after 2-day suspension for Indian election
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of Sonali Bank PLC. Md. Afzal Karim joined the function as special guest, while Devasree Mitra, CEO of Sonali Exchange Company Incorporation, USA delivered the address of welcome.
Ambassador Imran mentioned that Bangladesh attained huge progress in all fields in the last one and a half decades under the visionary and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He said during the period, many positive achievements and changes took place in the country.
The country will reach to a unique height, if we could share these success stories with everyone and spread those across the globe, he added.
He also briefly highlighted various consular services now being provided by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC.
Dhaka urges Thimphu to rekindle BBIN MVA framework to promote prosperity
In his speech, CEO and Managing Director of Sonali Bank Md. Afzal Karim discussed the various activities of the country’s largest state-owned bank to reach the bank services to the people’s doorsteps.
A large number of expatriate Bangladeshis living in Washington DC and its adjoining states joined the event.
Counsellor and Head of Chancery Shamima Yeasmin Smrite conducted the function.
Trade through Tamabil land port resumes after 2-day suspension for Indian election
Export-import and immigration activities through Tamabil land port in Sylhet resumed on Saturday after two days of suspension due to India's Lok Sabha election.
Runu Mia, in-charge of Tamabil Immigration Police, said the import-export and immigration activities at Tamabil land port remained suspended on Thursday and Friday on the occasion of the 18th general election of India.
Fire guts 1O houses in Chandpur
From Saturday (April 20) morning, import-export and visa-holding passengers have started travelling through the port, he added.
The 18th general election of India is being held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1.
Saudi expat killed in Chandpur road crash
The voting was held in the first phase on April 19 in the two Lok Sabha seats of Meghalaya state, India, located opposite to Tamabil land port.
ADB provides $71 mn for climate resilient water management in Bangladesh
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government of Bangladesh on Saturday signed a $71 million loan agreement to improve flood control, irrigation, and water resources management in rural communities in Gopalganj and Madaripur districts to strengthen their preparedness and resilience to the effects of climate change.
Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD), and Edimon Ginting, Country Director, ADB, signed the loan agreement on behalf of Bangladesh and ADB, respectively, at a ceremony at ERD in Dhaka.
“This project reflects ADB’s renewed commitment to help Bangladesh tackle climate change challenges through improved flood control, irrigation, and water resources management,” said Edimon Ginting, ADB Country Director for Bangladesh.
“Building on our previous successful projects in this area, the new project will further boost economic growth and productivity, increase incomes and sustainable livelihoods, especially for women and vulnerable groups, and reduce poverty in rural areas of southwest Bangladesh,” Ginting added.
The Climate-Resilient Integrated Southwest Project for Water Resources Management Project is expected to benefit more than 600,000 people and will introduce climate-resilient flood control, drainage, and irrigation (FCDI) measures and reduce saline intrusion.
It will adopt nature-based solutions to strengthen FCDI infrastructure and improve drainage in four subbasins, ADB said.
The project will develop and enhance integrated water management plans, construct training centers for water management organizations, and other community infrastructure.
The project will promote participatory water resource management to foster local ownership and ensure sustainability.
It will strengthen the capacity of water management groups in the design, construction, and operation and maintenance of the facilities and support the establishment of joint management committees.
Support will be extended to form water management organizations in four subproject areas targeting women’s membership.
The project will also build the capacity of the Bangladesh Water Development Board to improve coordination of government agencies concerned with water resources management, supervise the activities of water management organizations, and integrate climate adaptation in its operations.
Based on the Global Climate Risk Index, Bangladesh is ranked seventh in terms of vulnerability to climate risk. Bangladesh faces increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather and slow-onset climate events.
Without effective adaptation measures, the country could lose about 30% of agricultural gross domestic product by 2050 because of climate variability and extreme events impacting rural communities, especially women, who depend on climate-sensitive agricultural practices and natural resources for their livelihoods.
FIPA to help bolster confidence of Canadian investors to invest more in Bangladesh: Envoy
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Canada Dr Khalilur Rahman has said Bangladesh’s recent proposal to start the technical negotiation of a Foreign Investment Protection Agreement (FIPA) would bolster the confidence of Canadian investors to invest more in Bangladesh.
He welcomed the upcoming trade and investment mission led by Canada’s Indo-Pacific Trade Representative to Dhaka.
While speaking at a reception, Khalilur Rahman expressed satisfaction at the achievements in connection with strengthening of Bangladesh-Canada relations through various diplomatic initiatives during his tenure.
He maintained that the commencement of direct Bangladesh Biman flights between Dhaka and Toronto have bolstered trade and mobility.
The envoy also mentioned ongoing discussions to further strengthen and expand commercial ties between the two countries.
The High Commissioner expressed hope that Canada would resolve the sole irritant in otherwise excellent bilateral relations by deporting killer Nur Chowdhury, convicted assassin of Bangladesh’s Founding Father, through mutual understanding and agreement as soon as possible, according to a message received here from Bangladesh Mission on Saturday.
Bangladesh High Commission, Ottawa, Canada hosted the reception at the Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Downtown on April 18 to celebrate the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh 2024.
Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, attended as the chief guest on behalf of the government of Canada.
The event welcomed around 200 guests, including Senators, Members of Parliament, and Heads of diplomatic missions in Ottawa and community members.
All the officers and officials along with their spouses also attended the event. The ceremony began with the playing of the national anthems of Canada and Bangladesh.
Khalilur Rahman honored the memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and highlighted Bangabandhu’s vision for an independent, democratic and secular Bangladesh.
He also paid tribute to the three million martyrs and the two hundred thousand brave women who were violated during the 1971 war of liberation.
The High Commissioner highlighted the strong and growing partnership between Bangladesh and Canada, which spans trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
He extolled the contribution of over 100,000 Canadians of Bangladeshi origin to the social, cultural, and economic fabrics of both countries.
He also highlighted the socio-economic strides Bangladesh has made, especially in the last 15 years, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Robert Oliphant emphasized the significance of the bilateral relationship between Canada and Bangladesh, noting its roots in Canada's support during Bangladesh's war of liberation and its subsequent recognition of Bangladesh as a sovereign nation.
He praised Bangladesh's upcoming graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026 and commended the ongoing advancements in various socio-economic indicators under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He also said that many of Bangladesh’s development activities serve as the model for other countries for poverty alleviation and human development.
He expressed gratitude towards Bangladesh for sheltering 1.3 million Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN).
Robert Oliphant affirmed Canada's commitment to work with Bangladesh, including in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), to pave the pathway towards safe and sustainable repatriation of these persecuted people to their homeland in Myanmar.
The Parliamentary Secretary also acknowledged the contribution of Bangladeshi-Canadians to the economic and social milieu of Canada.
Robert Oliphant thanked His Excellency the High Commissioner for his works and contributions during his tenure to strengthen and expand Bangladesh-Canada ties.
Among others, Members of the Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group (CBPFG), including its chairs, spoke at the event.
They commended the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and hoped to work together to further strengthen and expand Bangladesh-Canada bilateral relations.
They also thanked the High Commissioner for facilitating the group during his tenure.
The chief guest and the High Commissioner, along with Senators and Members of Parliament, raised a toast to celebrate the reception.
The Independence and National Day Reception 2024 was hosted on 18 April 2024, instead of 26 March 2024, due to the holy month of Ramadan.
Dhaka ready to welcome Qatar’s Emir; 2 countries eye broader cooperation
Bangladesh has taken all necessary preparations to welcome Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani who will arrive on Monday on a two-day state visit which might see the signing of nearly a dozen of cooperation documents to strengthen ties in multiple areas including trade and investment, officials said.
The government, in a gazette notification, has already declared the emir as a very important person during his two-day visit to Bangladesh.
Some of the Dhaka streets are seen decorated with the photos of Qatar emir, along with Bangladesh president and the prime minister ahead of the visit.
Such a high-level visit, which will last 24 hours, is taking place from friendly country Qatar nearly after 19 years.
The then Emir of Qatar Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani visited Bangladesh in April, 2005.
Foreign Ministry officials said the agreements and MoUs are likely to be signed on enhancing trade and investment, prisoners exchange, avoidance of double taxation, manpower export, cooperation in the field of religion and higher education.
However, the exact number of documents which will be signed between two countries could not be known.
"The visit will play a significant role in further strengthening the brotherly relations between the two countries," a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB.
Apart from areas of cooperation on bilateral front, global issues including Palestine-Israel will also be discussed where Bangladesh will highlight its position, he said.
During his participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye last month, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud emphasised the urgent need for a collective effort to end the ongoing genocide in Gaza, holding Israel accountable for committing crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.
"Bangladesh is in favour of peace, not for war," he said.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin will receive the emir amid gun salute and a wider ceremony at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The emir is scheduled to arrive on Monday afternoon by a special flight, an official told UNB.
On Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will receive the Qatar emir at her office.
They will have tête-à-tête (one-to-one) meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office which will be followed by bilateral meeting.
The two leaders will witness signing ceremony of cooperation documents and join joint press meet.
After signing visitors' book there, the emir will head for Bangabhaban on Tuesday afternoon where the president will receive him.
President Shahabuddin will host official lunch in honour of the Emir of Qatar at Darbar Hall, Bangabhaban.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud will also have a courtesy meeting with the emir.
A road and a park of the capital will be named after the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.
The emir will inaugurate the park in Kalshi area of Mirpur under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and a road running from Mirpur ECB Chattar to Kalshi Flyover at 3pm.
The emir will have a private meeting with selected business community members at his place of residence.
He is scheduled to depart Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by a special flight at 6pm Tuesday.
The foreign minister will see him off at the airport.
Bangladesh and Qatar want to expand the existing ties with broader cooperation in the areas of manpower, energy, trade and investment following the planned visit of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Bangladesh.
In March last year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had a meeting with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in Doha.
She sought increased energy, particularly LNG, from Qatar to meet the energy demands.
The State of Qatar recognised Bangladesh as a sovereign State on March 4, 1974 following the 2nd OIC Summit held in February 1974.
Qatar assures support for Bangladesh's media sector development too.
Bangladesh opened its diplomatic mission in Doha on June 25, 1975. The State of Qatar reciprocated by opening its diplomatic mission in Dhaka in 1982.
Bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Qatar are based on mutual respect, shared values, common religious ground, shared culture, and tradition.
People-to-people contacts bolstered by more than four hundred thousand Bangladeshi workers who are highly appreciated as disciplined and hardworking is one of the dominant features of bilateral relations, according to the MoFA.
Bangladesh and Qatar consider each other as brotherly countries and important development partners in materialising Bangladesh’s Vision 2041 and Qatar’s vision 2030.
G7 calls for starting process of Rohingya repatriation
Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) countries have stressed the need to create conditions for the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of all Rohingya refugees and displaced persons and justice and accountability for atrocities committed against Rohingya and other ethnic communities.
They, in a joint statement, also reiterated their call on all States to prevent or to cease the flow of arms and other dual-use materiel, including jet fuel, into Myanmar.
They urged the Myanmar military to immediately cease any violence, release all prisoners arbitrarily detained – starting from the democratically elected leaders- and establish an inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders, in view of restoring the path towards a meaningful and durable democratic process.
"We also reiterate our call on the Myanmar military to respect human rights and international humanitarian law, to desist from any form of forced labour and to allow prompt, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all displaced persons and people in need," said the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union in their statement issued by the US Department of State on Friday.
They will continue to support ASEAN’s efforts to promote a credible and inclusive process to achieve the swift implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.
"We highlight the importance of a comprehensive implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 2669 (2022) and support the UN’s further engagement in the crisis, including through the leadership of the newly appointed UN Special Envoy on Myanmar and through the designation of a Resident Coordinator in country," said the G7 countries, noting that accountability for serious crimes committed in Myanmar remains essential.
The G7 countries reiterated their strong condemnation of the military coup in Myanmar and reaffirm our support and solidarity with the people of Myanmar in their quest for peace, freedom, and democracy.
The continuing attacks by the military destroying civilian infrastructure (including homes, schools, places of worship and hospitals), the repeated and serious violations of human rights and the alarming humanitarian situation – which particularly affect those in most vulnerable situations, including children, women and members of minority religious and ethnic groups – are unacceptable.
"We also condemn the recent implementation of the 2010 conscription law by the military regime," they said.
The forced recruitment of young people can only lead to further violence and trigger a massive exodus to neighboring countries, according to the joint statement.
G7 countries for promoting Free, Open Indo-Pacific, managing engagement in Asia
Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) countries have reaffirmed individual initiatives of the G7 members and welcomed those of their partners, such as ASEAN, IORA, Australia, Republic of Korea, India and other South Asian as well as Pacific Island countries, to enhance their engagement in the region.
"We underscore our commitment to further strengthening our coordination among the G7. In this context, we reaffirm the importance of working together with all regional partners," said the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union in a joint statement issued on Friday.
They reaffirmed their thorough support to ASEAN centrality and unity, as well as to initiatives aimed at fostering regional cooperation in line with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
They underscored their commitment to further strengthen our partnership with the Pacific Island countries, by supporting their needs and efforts in the implementation of the Pacific Islands Forum’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
"We look forward to the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States under the theme “Charting the course towards resilient prosperity” (St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda 27th-30th May 2024)," they said.
"We will broaden our support to civil society, private sector, and academia’s plans for the promotion of a free and open Indo-Pacific," they added.
The Indo-Pacific region is a key engine for global growth, with more than half of the world’s population.
"We reiterate commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, based on the rule of law, which is inclusive, prosperous, secure, grounded on respect for international law, notably the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, peaceful resolution of disputes, fundamental freedoms, and human rights," they said.
They underscored that peace and stability of the region also contributes to prosperity and development of the entire international community.
Developments in that region can directly affect Euro-Atlantic security, according to the statement received from the US Department of State.
As the international community faces multiple crises we, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, renewed their commitment to upholding the rule of law, humanitarian principles and international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, and to protecting human rights and dignity for all individuals.
They reiterated the need to take collective action to preserve peace and stability and to address global challenges such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, global health, education, gender inequality, poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition, violent extremism and terrorism, information integrity and a digital transition that respects, protects, and promotes human rights and fundamental freedoms.
They also affirmed their commitment to free societies and democratic principles, where all persons can freely exercise their rights and freedoms. "Human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated."
Dhaka urges Thimphu to rekindle BBIN MVA framework to promote prosperity
Bangladesh has urged Bhutan to take necessary measures to rejoin the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) framework to promote regional prosperity through people to people contact.
At the third Foreign Office Consultations held between the two countries on Friday, Bangladesh also raised the issue of Sustainable Development Fees (SDF) for tourists and requested the Bhutanese government to reduce the current SDF for the Bangladeshi tourists.
The Bhutanese side assured their counterparts of positive consideration, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.
Saima Wazed, Princess Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck launch Bhutanese version of Bangabandhu’s ‘Unfinished Memoirs’
The two sides agreed to work together to enhance tourism and foster people to people contact.
The third Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Bhutan was held in Thimphu.
The Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Masud Bin Momen, while the Bhutan delegation was led by Pema Choden, Foreign Secretary of Bhutan.
During the Foreign Office Consultations, the whole gamut of bilateral relations was discussed.
Both the Foreign Secretaries expressed satisfaction on the excellent bilateral relations that exist between Bangladesh and Bhutan.
BGB gives state guard of honour and farewell reception to Bhutan’s King in Kurigram
They discussed all the major issues of mutual interests and agreed to promote cooperation encompassing all sectors, especially trade and commerce, health, investment, connectivity, power and energy, tourism, culture and education among others.
Both the Foreign Secretaries also discussed the means and ways of faster implementations of the decisions taken and MoUs signed during the recent visit of His Majesty the King of Bhutan to Bangladesh.
On her part, Pema Choden stressed on the exploration of the untapped potential in economic, cultural and educational areas and proposed to establish meaningful collaborative relationship.
She mentioned that Bhutan would like to pursue more trade and investment cooperation with Bangladesh. She also stressed on mutual efforts to conclude the pending Agreements/MoUs. Bhutanese Foreign Secretary emphasized on the exchange of government and private level visits between the two countries.
Both the Foreign Secretaries discussed regional issues of mutual interest and hoped that both countries would continue to work to reinvigorate the SAARC and BIMSTEC processes.
Bhutanese king visits Special Economic Zone in Kurigram
Bangladesh Foreign Secretary also called on Lyonpo DN Dhungyel, Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Royal Government of Bhutan at the latter’s office.
During the meeting, they discussed the issues of mutual interests including trade and investment, special economic zone in Kurigram, power sector cooperation, cooperation in health and education, regional cooperation etc.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen also attended the National Day reception hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Bhutan as the special guest.
He also inspected the progress of the ongoing construction work of the Chancery and Residence Construction project of Bangladesh Embassy in Thimphu.
Bangladeshi workers must be protected from criminalisation in Malaysia: UN experts
UN experts on Friday expressed dismay about the situation of Bangladeshi migrants in Malaysia, who had travelled there in the hope of employment after engaging in the official labour migration process.
“The situation of Bangladeshi migrants who have lived in Malaysia for several months or longer is unsustainable and undignified,” the experts said in a statement issued from Geneva.
The experts are Tomoya Obokata, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences; Siobhán Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children; Gehad Madi, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants and Robert McCorquodale (Chair-Rapporteur), Fernanda Hopenhaym (Vice-Chair), Pichamon Yeophantong, Damilola Olawuyi, Elzbieta Karska, Working Group on business and human rights.
“Malaysia needs to take urgent measures to address the dire humanitarian situation of migrants and protect them from exploitation, criminalisation and other human rights abuses," said the UN experts.
They noted that many migrants find on arrival in Malaysia that they do not have employment as promised and are often forced into overstaying their visas.
Consequently, these migrants risk arrest, detention, ill-treatment and deportation, the experts said.
They expressed concern that large sums of money were being generated through the fraudulent recruitment of migrant workers by criminal networks operating between Malaysia and Bangladesh.
Migrants were being deceived, recruited by companies that are frequently fake, and obliged to pay exorbitant recruitment fees which pushes them into debt bondage, the experts said.
“We received reports that certain high-level officials in both Governments are involved in this business or condoning it. This is unacceptable and needs to end,” the experts said.
“Perpetrators of these exploitative recruitments must be held accountable,” they said, adding that so far action taken against these private businesses and fraudulent recruitment companies have been wholly insufficient, both in Bangladesh and Malaysia.
“Meanwhile, vulnerable migrants have been criminalised and some have faced severe reprisals for reporting the exploitation suffered,” they said.
They urged Malaysia and Bangladesh to investigate and address the situation.
'Malaysia must govern labour migration more effectively by adopting adequate safeguards,” the experts said, urging the country to fulfil its obligations under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to protect migrant workers against human rights abuses by businesses operating in Malaysia and ensure that these businesses respect human rights.
Malaysia must also step up efforts to identify, protect and assist victims of exploitation, enforce existing legal protections against trafficking in persons and uphold the country’s international human rights obligations, they said.
The experts have previously engaged with the Governments of Malaysia and Bangladesh on these issues.