Discord in Baira executive committee

A section of recruiting agents yesterday alleged that their suspension from Baira executive committee happened for protesting the “whims” of its current president, and was in violation of the organisation’s rules.

They claimed they are legitimate members of Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (Baira), the country’s apex trade body for human resource export.

However, they faced obstacles in accessing its office, they alleged at a press conference at Baira premises in the capital.

The suspended Baira members are: Monsur Ahamad Kalam, Shawkat Hossain Shikdar and SM Nazmul Haque.

They were serving as vice president-1, finance secretary, and sports, recreation and cultural secretary, according to a statement provided to media.

The posts are now being occupied by three other members, according to Baira website.

Alongside the three suspended members, the statement is also signed by 10 serving executive committee members.

Reading out the statement, Monsur said following a writ petition, a High Court bench recently issued a stay order on the Baira decision.

Besides, the HC also issued a stay order on the appointments of the three new executive committee members, he said.

However, the Baira president has taken steps for further court proceedings, Monsur said, adding that they were suspended about six months ago.

He alleged that the current Baira president spent money from the organisation’s fund for his personal interest.

The Baira president played an instrumental role in sending a letter to the Malaysian government, bypassing the ministry concerned and violating diplomatic norms, which diminished the government’s image, he said.

“We protested this at Baira executive committee. As a result, we were suspended,” he said, adding that Baira is a friendly organisation for 1,700 members.

Monsur alleged that the Baira president’s whims caused a stalemate in its activities and posed threat to the migrant workers’ recruitment sector.

Contacted, Baira President Benjir Ahmed denied the allegations against him.

Baira is in a better position and its discipline has also improved, he told this newspaper over phone.

Benjir refused to make direct comment on the HC order, saying it’s a “sub-judice matter”.