57 Recruiting agencies under ACC surveillance over alleged human trafficking
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into 57 recruiting agencies over allegations of trafficking women under the guise of overseas employment. The agencies are accused of luring women and girls abroad with promises of better jobs and higher salaries, only to subject them to physical abuse, inhumane treatment, and involvement in illegal activities.
As part of the investigation, the ACC has sent a letter to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) requesting all relevant records and documents related to the 57 agencies. BMET sources confirmed to Asia Post that the letter was sent on July 23.
The ACC has sought details on the ownership of the agencies, the basis on which their licenses were issued, and the nature of their operations.
It has also requested records of workers sent abroad through these agencies. Investigators are examining whether any legal irregularities occurred during the licensing process and whether the owners possess assets beyond their known sources of income.
How the Investigation Began
The investigation stems from a raid conducted by the ACC at BMET last year based on confidential information. During the operation, the commission found preliminary evidence that several recruiting agencies had violated the law by facilitating the trafficking of women.
Subsequent raids led to the seizure of important documents.
Following these findings, the ACC filed a case on July 3 last year, accusing four BMET officials and the owners or representatives of five recruiting agencies of assisting in the trafficking of women by using forged documents. During the investigation of that case, evidence linking 57 additional agencies to similar activities was uncovered.
Individuals Named in the Case
The ACC charged BMET Deputy Director (Departure) Md. Sajjad Hossain Sarkar and Assistant Director (Departure) Md. Hossain Ullah Akand.
Also named were Md. Nizam Uddin Patwari, Manpower Survey Officer, and Md. Azad Hossain, Office Assistant and Computer Operator.
The agency representatives charged include:
Md. Anwar Hossain, Managing Partner of HA International
Md. Salauddin, Managing Partner of KH Overseas
Md. Jamal Hossain, Proprietor of Makka Overseas
Md. Anwar Hossain Bhuiyan, Managing Partner of Tasnim Overseas
Ekramul Haque, Partner of SM Manpower
Clearance Granted Using Fake Passports
According to the First Information Report (FIR), an ACC raid at the BMET office in Dhaka on May 29, 2025, uncovered evidence of widespread irregularities.
Investigators alleged that several recruiting agencies worked together to send domestic workers to the Middle East using fake passports. Applications were submitted using passport numbers belonging to women other than the actual applicants. BMET officials allegedly approved the clearance certificates without verifying the information in the agency's database.
The investigation also found that women under the age of 25 were granted clearance to work as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries, in violation of ministry regulations.
The ACC alleges that the officials involved benefited financially from the fraudulent scheme.
After reviewing official records seized during the operation, the commission said it found evidence of fraud and forgery. It added that the investigation was continuing and legal action would be taken against all those found responsible.
The ongoing investigation has now linked 57 recruiting agencies to the alleged trafficking network.
List of the 57 Agencies
Among the agencies included in the ACC's list are:
T-Twenty Overseas Ltd.
Shimul Air Overseas Ltd.
Mahi Business Ltd.
The Bangladesh Trade Corporation
Zia International Trading
Process Overseas
Goodless Service Ltd.
Central Overseas
Easy Way International
Al-Fatih International
The Ifti Overseas
Amiyal International
Labour Asia Ltd.
General Trading Company
Amir Aviation Ltd.
Ajaz Business International
Safeway Employment
Al-Jabesh Establishment Ltd.
Ifti Trade International
Salmash Overseas
Versatile Overseas Ltd.
ABS International
Pratik Travels & Tours
Valley Trade International
Al-Juhur International
BN Associate
Biplob International
Falcon International
Shan Overseas
Rimel Overseas
Himel Air Service
The Wisher International
TPS 360 Bangladesh Ltd.
TSO Overseas
Just Way Aviation Ltd.
Future Palace Ltd.
Gulf International
Sadman International
City Air International
Al Mahmud Overseas
First Air Service
Nusaiba Trade International
Al Mobarak International
Tasnim Overseas
Makka Overseas
Al Mishar Overseas
Bangladesh Export Corporation
KS Overseas
SM Manpower Ltd.
Rifat International
Ratul Trading Overseas
Citizens Air International
Al Haramain Overseas
Bangladesh Overseas Employment & Services Ltd.
Al-Imran International
HA International
ACC's Statement
Tanjir Ahmed, Assistant Director (Public Relations) of the ACC, told Asia Post:
"After a case is filed, the investigating officer conducts a thorough investigation. If the investigation uncovers the involvement of additional individuals or entities, their names may be included in the charge sheet with the approval of the Commission. The same procedure will be followed in this case if new evidence of involvement emerges."