Published: 12:07 AM, 03 June 2026
No syndicates will be allowed in sending workers abroad: Ariful
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury speaks at a press briefing at his ministry on Tuesday. -Agency
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury on Tuesday said no form of syndicate or corruption will be allowed in the process of sending workers abroad.
"The government will follow a zero-tolerance policy against irregularities and corruption in the manpower export sector," he told a press briefing at his ministry.
State Minister Md. Nurul Hoque and Secretary Md Mokhtar Ahmed were also present.
Ariful said once the proposed Probashi (Expatriate) Card is introduced, there will no longer be a separate Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) card.
The goal is to enable expatriates to access all services through a single card, he said.
Regarding allegations of human trafficking to Russia and accusations against some recruiting agencies, the minister said an investigation committee has been formed and necessary action will be taken after reviewing the relevant documents, reports BSS.
He added no individual or institution will be spared if evidence of wrongdoing is found. It will also be investigated whether any documents or cards were issued without approval from Bangladesh embassies abroad, he said.
The minister said a special cell is being planned within the ministry to quickly address complaints and problems faced by expatriates.
Bangladeshis living abroad will be able to contact the ministry directly regarding their problems, investment-related complications, or administrative harassment, he said. Ariful said many expatriates, especially workers in the Middle East, are not accustomed to using email. Therefore, the ministry is considering the use of easier communication platforms, including WhatsApp, he added.
On the Malaysian labour market, the minister said that there has been positive progress toward reopening it and that good news may come very soon.
He emphasized that if the labour market reopens, it will be done in a transparent and syndicate-free manner. No group will receive exclusive advantages as happened in the past, he said.
The minister said those who send remittances through legal channels will receive special benefits in accessing various government and private services through this card.
He said proposals such as enhanced banking services, digital identification, priority in land-related services, and special healthcare benefits are currently under review.
The minister said one of the major challenges is eliminating corruption from the country's 101 Technical Training Centres (TTCs) and the manpower export system.
"This is one of my key commitments. If I cannot make this sector transparent and accountable, I will not consider myself successful," he said. Seeking cooperation from journalists, Ariful said that the government would act quickly if the media provides specific
information about irregularities and corruption.
"Provide us with information, and we will take action. If evidence of unlawful activity is found anywhere, strict measures will be taken," he added.
