Published: 12:02 AM, 07 October 2026
Transparency Must Be Ensured in Recruiting Workers for Overseas Jobs
Overseas employment is a major source of income for Bangladesh. Millions of Bangladeshi workers are employed in different countries, particularly in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and other regions. Their remittances make a significant contribution to the national economy and support millions of families. However, the recruitment process for overseas jobs is often marred by excessive costs, fraud, middlemen and a lack of transparency. Therefore, ensuring transparency in the recruitment of migrant workers has become an urgent national priority.
Many aspiring migrants sell land, borrow money or take loans at high interest rates to finance their journey abroad. In many cases, dishonest recruiting agents demand excessive fees, make false promises about salaries and jobs, or provide misleading information about employment contracts. Some workers even discover after reaching their destination that their actual jobs and wages are different from what they were promised. Such practices push migrant workers and their families into financial hardship and uncertainty.
The government must take stronger measures to make the recruitment process open, affordable and accountable. All recruitment agencies should be properly licensed and closely monitored. Their fees, service charges, job offers and contractual terms should be publicly disclosed. Digital systems can be introduced to allow workers to verify recruiting agencies, employers, job contracts and official fees before making payments. Strict action should be taken against agencies and brokers involved in fraud, overcharging or human trafficking.
Bangladesh also needs to strengthen cooperation with destination countries. Employment contracts should be verified before workers leave the country, and workers should receive copies of their contracts in a language they understand. Embassies and labour wings abroad should provide accessible complaint mechanisms and emergency assistance to migrant workers facing exploitation.
Public awareness is equally important. Prospective migrants should receive proper training about legal procedures, recruitment costs, working conditions, workers' rights and the risks of dealing with unauthorized brokers. Government agencies, recruiting associations and civil society organizations can work together to provide reliable information.
Transparent recruitment is not only a matter of protecting workers; it is also essential for Bangladesh's economic interests. Safe and orderly migration can increase remittance inflows, improve the country's reputation in international labour markets and create better employment opportunities for Bangladeshi citizens.
