The overseas employment dreams of four young men from Chakaria Upazila in Cox’s Bazar were shattered after they fell victim to fraud in the name of plantation jobs in Malaysia.
A man named Salah Uddin allegedly took Tk 600,000 from them, promising to arrange work visas for Malaysia.
Hoping for a better future abroad, some of the victims were forced to sell livestock, while others took loans at high interest. As time passed, however, they realised that no genuine visa process had ever begun. Repeated attempts to recover their money and passports went unanswered, leaving them deeply distressed.
The victims later sought support from the Probashi Information and Service Centre of Films 4 Peace Foundation. Following their complaints, the Grievance Management Committee (GMC) organised an arbitration meeting on July 24, 2025.
During the arbitration, the accused, Salah Uddin, admitted to receiving the money and returned the victims’ passports. It was also agreed that the money would be refunded in phases.
According to the arbitration decision, a total of Tk 360,000 has been returned to date. The latest instalment of Tk 50,000 was deposited at the Probashi Information and Service Centre on January 13, 2026.
The resolution was achieved under the ‘Fair and Just Migration System’ project of Films 4 Peace Foundation. The project is being implemented through the Coalition for Fairer Labour Migration (PERI Programme), with The Asia Foundation as a partner organisation and financial support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Those involved said such arbitration initiatives not only help ensure justice for migrants affected by fraud but also contribute to building a safer and fairer migration system in the future.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
