A powerful government intelligence agency has claimed to have identified an organised syndicate allegedly responsible for obstructing the reopening of Malaysia’s labour market for Bangladeshi workers. The group, described as highly coordinated, has reportedly been engaged in sustained efforts to destabilise access to one of the world’s second-largest labour destinations for Bangladesh.
According to sources, the syndicate has been actively filing cases against recruiting agency owners, submitting fabricated complaints to various government bodies, and spreading misinformation—actions that have significantly undermined Bangladesh’s international reputation in labour migration.
At a time when the BNP-led government under Tarique Rahman is trying to reopen the Malaysian labour market within a 180-day priority programme, the group has intensified its activities. Officials believe the motive lies in protecting their long-standing illegal business model known as “counter-setting,” through which workers are sent to Malaysia via irregular channels. A shift to legal recruitment, particularly under a zero-cost migration framework, would effectively dismantle their operations.
Investigations have identified four leading figures behind the network: Altab Khan, proprietor of Afia Overseas (RL-1010), widely regarded as the mastermind of the “counter-setting” operations in Malaysia; Fakhrul Islam (RL-452), former joint secretary of BAIRA and owner of Human Resource Development Center; Mostafa Mahmud (RL-448), proprietor of Micro Export House; and AKM Moazzem Hossain (RL-306), owner of Anik Industrial Enterprise Ltd.
Stakeholders warn that failure to take swift action against these individuals could further destabilise the sector, jeopardise the government’s zero-cost migration initiative, and allow illegal migration networks to flourish. They also caution that competing labour-sending countries such as Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia are already capitalising on the situation. Nepal, in particular, is reportedly sending thousands of workers daily to Malaysia, even routing them through India due to limited direct flights.
Altab Khan was arrested in Malaysia on September 24, 2023, by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for allegedly bribing immigration officials to facilitate the illegal entry of Bangladeshi workers. He later admitted to these activities during interrogation. Ironically, shortly before his arrest, he had filed a case in Bangladesh against 101 recruiting agencies, including the state-owned BOESL, in what investigators later found to be baseless. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) dismissed the case after finding no evidence.
Fakhrul Islam, another key figure, has a history of allegations related to fraud and human trafficking. He was arrested on November 11, 2025, in connection with a case involving the embezzlement of over Tk 3 crore and the abuse of 28 workers sent to Malaysia without proper job placements. He has also been accused of profiting heavily from worker health testing through his own medical centre and engaging in illegal migration operations via coastal routes such as Teknaf and Cox’s Bazar.
Mostafa Mahmud has been accused of financial fraud involving prospective migrant workers and of actively campaigning against the reopening of the Malaysian labour market. In a recent press conference, he reportedly declared he would go on a hunger strike if the market reopened under the zero-cost model. Authorities allege he has been spreading disinformation and filing unfounded complaints to obstruct the process.
AKM Moazzem Hossain has been identified as a major financier of anti-reform activities. He is accused of lobbying against the reopening of the labour market, both domestically and in Malaysia, and of attempting to exert undue influence over policymakers. Sources claimed he has been presenting himself as closely connected to key government advisors in an effort to consolidate control over the sector.
Experts warn that continued inaction could result in Bangladesh losing a significant share of the Malaysian labour market, leading to a sharp decline in remittance inflows and rising unemployment at home.
