A powerful government intelligence agency has 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 disrupt Bangladesh’s access to one of its largest overseas labour destinations. According to sources, the syndicate has been actively filing cases against recruiting agency owners, submitting fabricated complaints to various government bodies, and spreading misinformation. These activities have significantly undermined Bangladesh’s international reputation in the global labour migration sector.

At a time when the BNP-led government under Tarique Rahman is working to reopen the Malaysian labour market within a 180-day priority programme, the group has intensified its efforts. Officials believe the primary motive is to protect their long-standing illegal business model, commonly known as “counter-setting,” through which workers are sent to Malaysia via irregular channels. A transition to legal recruitment—particularly under a zero-cost migration framework—would effectively dismantle their operations.

Investigations have identified four key individuals behind the network: Altab Khan, proprietor of Afia Overseas (RL-1010), widely regarded as the mastermind of “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 have warned 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 expand. They also noted 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 to Malaysia daily, in some cases routing them through India due to limited direct flight availability.

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. During interrogation, he reportedly admitted to these activities. Notably, shortly before his arrest, he had filed a case in Bangladesh against 101 recruiting agencies, including the state-owned BOESL, which was later found to be baseless. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) subsequently dismissed the case due to lack of evidence.

Fakhrul Islam, another central figure, has faced multiple 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 exploitation of 28 workers sent to Malaysia without proper job placements. He has also been accused of profiting excessively from mandatory 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. At a recent press conference, he reportedly threatened to go on a hunger strike if the market was reopened under a zero-cost migration model. Authorities allege that 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 claim he has portrayed 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, potentially leading to a sharp decline in remittance inflows and increased unemployment at home.