Bangladeshis harassed at KL airport

Reports of persistent harassment of Bangladeshi nationals at Kuala Lumpur airport are distressing. There is no reason for a person with valid travel documents and visa to be harassed at the airport. 

We believe that the visa officials at the Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka should properly check the background of the applicants before issuing visas. If the immigration authorities need to reassess visa status and eligibility of entry of any person after arriving at Kuala Lumpur airport, they should follow the established procedures, not blanket detention without showing any reason. Most worryingly, the detained Bangladeshi nationals are being subjected to ill-treatment and even denied food. These incidents are very incongruous with the longstanding fraternal relations between the two countries.  

Bangladesh enjoys robust bilateral relations with Malaysia. A large number of Bangladeshis go to Malaysia every year for various purposes, including study, work, tourism and business, and significantly contribute to the Malaysian economy. Recently, Malaysia launched a drive against illegal immigrants as a result of which many Bangladeshis were detained. It has been reported that many genuine workers and tourists are facing harassment in the process. The incidents of harassment at the airport might have some link with this drive. We are happy to note that the Bangladesh government has already made arrangements with its Malaysian counterpart to solve the issue of illegal Bangladeshi workers. 

It is reassuring that Bangladesh has conveyed its position to the Malaysian government and we hope that steps will be taken to stop harassment of genuine Bangladeshi workers and tourists at the earliest.