Dhaka, Apr 27 (V7N) — The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment has informed the High Court that recruiting agencies are responsible for the failure of 17,777 Bangladeshi workers to secure employment in Malaysia.

The ministry submitted its report to the High Court bench of Justices Fahmida Quader and Mubina Haque on Sunday (April 27) morning.

Following the submission, the High Court ordered the government to ensure that all affected workers are refunded and directed authorities to detail the legal actions to be taken against the responsible agencies by August 27.

The report clarified that the workers, despite completing all formalities and payments, could not travel due to the negligence of the recruiting agencies. It stated that the agencies are legally bound to return the money to the victims. However, as the report lacked information on whether any refunds or compensations had been provided, the court instructed the government to submit a comprehensive update by August 27.

Earlier, lawyer Tanvir Ahmed had filed a writ petition addressing the plight of around 20,000 workers who were unable to travel to Malaysia despite fulfilling all requirements.

The issue came to national attention last year after media investigations uncovered what has been described as the largest financial scam in Bangladesh’s history related to labor migration. Reports indicated that a syndicate, allegedly operating under political protection, swindled Tk 20,000 crore from around 30,000 aspiring workers.

In July last year, lawyers Tanvir Ahmed and Biplob filed the writ petition seeking an explanation from the authorities on the measures taken against those responsible for the massive scam.

END/MSS/AJ