Dream turns nightmare as deceived workers trapped in Malaysia

Four Bangladeshi young men – Kajol, Hridoy, Aziz, and Mamun (not their real names) – dreamt of a brighter future as they went to find work in Malaysia through a local recruiting agency, Max Management and Services. They each handed over Tk5 lakh with the promise of getting employment.

However, upon arrival in Malaysia, a different reality awaited them. Their passports were taken away, leaving them in a vulnerable situation and unable to return home.

The victims also alleged that along with 40-42 other individuals seeking fortune, they were transported to Malaysia on a flight and one Polash from Polash International SDN. BHD received them there.

Kajol said that they were forced to stay in “jungles and other places” for four to five months with no clear path forward.

“We contacted the recruiting agency several times, but none responded,” he said, adding that he would soon lodge a case against the recruiting agency.

A pattern of deception

Kajol and his fellow victims are not the only ones alleging deception by Max Management and Services. Another group of Bangladeshi workers, including Jahid Hossain, Faridul Islam, Sifat Mia, and several others, reported a similar experience. They too paid Tk5 lakh each to the agency, with many resorting to borrowing funds for this purpose.

Just before their departure, the agency allegedly recorded a video where the workers were instructed to lie about the terms of their travel. In the video, they were told to state they were going to Malaysia on free visas and would be responsible for finding their own employment, accommodation, and food. The agency also allegedly absolved itself of any responsibility for any medical issues that might arise.

One of the workers said that they felt pressured to comply with the agency’s instructions during the recording, fearing they would lose the money they had already invested.

Evidence of a crime?

This correspondent has also obtained an audio recording featuring a conversation between an individual and the director of Jannat Bright SDN. BHD (Malaysian company), Mohammed Mamun regarding going to Malaysia for work.

According to the audio, Max Management and Services, along with another agency named Brothers, dispatched 200 persons to Jannat Bright SDN. BHD.

In the audio, Mohammed Mamun is heard explaining that Max Management and Services and Brothers had an agreement with his agency (Jannat Bright) just to receive the persons but not to provide them with employment, as per their contract agreement.

When Mamun was contacted to talk on the matter, he denied all allegations.

Azad Rahman, special superintendent of police (Media) of the Criminal Investigation Department, said that sending individuals abroad in such a way constitutes human trafficking.

Echoing Azad Rahman, Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit Executive Director CR Abrar also said that sending people in such a way is nothing but human trafficking.

Besides, charging of Tk5 lakh is also an offence as it is several times higher than the government-fixed charge, he added.

The law and the consequences

According to the Overseas Employment and Migration Act-2013, section 31 (Ga), impounding passports, visas and overseas-related documents are criminal offences and one has to land in jail for a minimum of five years and count Tk1 lakh as a fine.

As per the Act’s section 22 (1), the recruiting agent will make an employment agreement with the employer for the selected workers. In the agreement, wages, residential facilities, duration of work, compensation and expenses of going and returning will be included.

Section 22 (2) says the recruiting agent will be considered as a representative of the foreign employer and both the agency and employer will be responsible for the agreement.

Agency denies allegations

When contacted, Mahfujur Rahman, proprietor of Max Management and Services, said that he never sent anyone in such ways.

“I abide by the existing rules in sending workers abroad,” he said, adding that vested quarters are carrying out a negative campaign against him.

When he was drawn attention to the video, he denied filming such videos.