Malaysia Labour Market Syndicate Must Be Dismantled: Dr Shafiqur Rahman

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman has warned of a strong movement to dismantle alleged irregularities and syndicates in Malaysia’s labour market. He said if exploitation of workers does not stop, the labour market syndicate will be dismantled through a movement with the people. He also called for the abolition of syndicates in various sectors of the country.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at the National Seminar-2026 titled “Syndicate and Malaysia’s Labour Market: Bangladesh’s Partnership,” organised by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at the Abdus Salam Hall of the Jatiya Press Club on Thursday.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said a worker has to sell land, take loans or arrange money through other means to go abroad for work. “If he then has to spend his entire life abroad just repaying the debt, what will his condition be?” he asked, saying an answer must be given to this question.
He said many ordinary workers abroad are in such distress that it is difficult to look at their faces. When asked questions, many do not want to answer. “There is a silent cry inside them. They cannot breathe peacefully and cannot sleep at night,” he said.

The Jamaat Ameer also questioned the selection of agencies for Malaysia’s labour market. He said 25 agencies had been selected as “master agencies,” with associate agencies working under them. However, he said the government must clarify the criteria on which these agencies were selected.
Referring to reports in various media that some of the selected agencies had no previous experience, he said if reports of investments ranging from Tk 15 crore to Tk 22 crore in the process were true, he would view the matter with strong condemnation. He said the government itself must clarify how such a selection was made if there was no government involvement.

He urged the government to negotiate the matter properly with Malaysia, warning that any attempt to exploit the people would eventually bring bad news for those involved.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman said syndicates exist in various sectors of the country in addition to the labour market. He announced that movements against such syndicates would continue in the interest of the people.
The Jamaat Ameer also said vigilance was necessary to ensure that any new law introduced in the name of digital security was not used to silence the free voice of the people. He said they would oppose any law enacted with the intention of suppressing the people’s free voice.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the voting rights of expatriate Bangladeshis must be ensured. Whether a citizen lives in the country or abroad, if he or she is a voter, the right to cast a vote must be guaranteed. He said any attempt to deprive expatriates of their voting rights would constitute oppression and injustice. “We are now hearing that there is consideration of excluding their (expatriates’) votes from local government elections. If this happens, it will be oppression and injustice against them. We will not accept it,” he said.