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Published : 28 Sep 2025, 04:37 PM
Several hundred people who had completed all formalities but failed to travel to Malaysia within the stipulated time have staged a demonstration on a major road in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar for over an hour.
The protesters took to the streets around 9:30am on Sunday with a five-point demand that included immediate passage to Malaysia. Traffic at the key thoroughfare came to a halt, leaving commuters stranded and causing widespread disruption.
A delegation of the workers later met officials at the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. When the officials assured them that their demands would be considered, the blockade was lifted around 10:45am.
However, the demonstrators continued their sit-in until 3pm at the nearby Saarc Fountain and Panthakunja, chanting slogans.
Malaysia’s home ministry had set May 31, 2024, as the deadline for both new and returning foreign workers to join their jobs. But nearly 18,000 Bangladeshis were unable to travel within the timeframe due to a shortage of airline tickets and other logistical issues.
The Bangladesh government later appealed to Malaysia to allow entry to the stranded workers. During a short visit to Dhaka on Oct 4 that year, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that he would respond positively to the request.
Despite that pledge, many of the workers say they remain stuck in uncertainty.
“We were stuck for reasons beyond our control,” said Sagor Farazi, who came from Shariatpur.
“Later the government assured us that we would be taken through BOESL. But now BOESL is harassing us in various ways, and we see no sign of being sent to Malaysia. They are even saying some of us will be left behind. But all of us have permits, visas, everything is done. Why should anyone be dropped? Everyone must be taken.”
Another protester, Saiful Islam, said: “We have been waiting for a long time to go to Malaysia. But because of the syndicate’s wrongdoing, we could not leave on time. Our main demand is that we must be taken to Malaysia. We lifted the blockade on the ministry’s assurances, but if the demands are not met, we will block the road again.”
The protesters outlined the following demands:
1. Those who received e-visas before May 31, 2024, but did not get BMET clearance, as well as those who completed all procedures, must be sent to Malaysia without delay.
2. No worker should be excluded from the process, regardless of whether new interviews are held.
3. A specific date must be announced immediately, and a written memorandum issued.
4. The memorandum must be formally submitted through the Chief Adviser and the Expatriates’ Welfare Adviser.
5. If workers cannot be sent within the written deadline, the government must immediately ensure alternative employment and compensation.
