Mediceram in Malaysia: 152 Bangladeshi workers protest forced repatriation

At least 152 Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia yesterday wrote an open letter protesting forced repatriation and urging the Bangladesh mission in Kuala Lumpur, international organisations, and civil society groups to intervene in their termination case against their employer, Mediceram.

About 180 Bangladeshi workers were handed termination letters on October 31 after they protested the non-renewal of visas for more than 90 fellow workers.

On November 4, Malaysian authorities deported 10 of them after executives of the glove company forcibly took them to the airport in Kuala Lumpur.

On November 7, six more Bangladeshis were deported in the same manner.

Meanwhile, the group of 152 workers, who are living in fear and under intimidation in Selangor district, have appointed Louis Liaw Chambers to provide legal support for their case.

"Despite continuous threats, intimidation, and the forced repatriation of our democratically elected worker representatives, we have collectively decided that we will not go back to work under the same management and conditions that violated our dignity, rights, and safety," said the letter.

They sought an immediate transfer to a law-abiding and responsible employer in Malaysia. "We respectfully call upon the governments of Bangladesh and Malaysia, as well as all relevant authorities, to support this transfer process urgently and ensure our continued lawful employment in Malaysia."

They said they do not want to be forcibly sent back to Bangladesh.

They urged all parties concerned, including the Malaysian authorities, the Bangladesh High Commission, international organisations, and civil society groups, to take immediate notice of their situation and intervene to protect their fundamental rights as migrant workers.