The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched a crackdown on recruiting agencies and individuals accused of charging Bangladeshi workers several times the government-approved fee for jobs in Malaysia between 2021 and 2024. As part of its ongoing investigation, the ACC is scrutinizing the personal assets of the owners of these accused recruiting agencies.
Cases Filed Against 232 Individuals
The ACC has so far filed cases against 232 individuals associated with 100 recruiting agencies over allegations of corruption in the overseas labour market. These agencies are accused of misappropriating a total of Tk 7,984 crore 15 lakh 7,500.
Notices Issued to 213 Accused
The commission has issued notices to 213 of the accused, directing them to submit statements of their assets. One of those served with a notice is Golam Mostafa, Managing Director of Prantik Travels and Tourism Limited, who has been accused of acquiring substantial assets beyond his known sources of income.
Legal Action for Non-Compliance
Under Section 26(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004, the ACC directed Golam Mostafa to submit detailed statements of all movable and immovable assets, liabilities, sources of income, and particulars of assets acquired in his own name, in the names of his wife and dependants, or in benami names within 21 working days. Failure to comply or submission of false information will result in legal action under Section 26(2) of the Act.
Investigation Progress and Future Actions
So far, 167 recipients have submitted their asset statements to the commission. Necessary action will be taken after verification of those declarations. ACC Deputy Director (Public Relations) Md Akhtarul Islam stated that full-fledged investigations have been recommended against 25 individuals, and further investigation has been proposed in many cases. Those who fail to submit their asset statements within the stipulated time will face legal action.
High-Profile Accused
The ACC has filed 12 separate cases against former ministers, members of parliament (MPs), upazila chairmen, councillors, and owners of recruiting agencies over allegations of collecting money beyond the government-fixed fee for sending workers to Malaysia and laundering those funds abroad. The accused include former finance and planning minister A H M Mustafa Kamal, former lawmakers Nizam Uddin Hazari, retired Lieutenant General Masud Uddin Chowdhury, and Benazir Ahmed, among others.
Why This Matters
This investigation is significant as it aims to root out corruption in the overseas labour market, ensuring that Bangladeshi workers are not exploited and that those responsible are held accountable. The outcome of this probe could lead to substantial reforms in the recruitment process and enhance the protection of workers' rights.
