The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an extensive investigation into 57 licensed recruiting agencies over allegations of trafficking women abroad under the guise of overseas employment, following evidence uncovered during an ongoing corruption probe involving officials of the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET).

According to ACC sources, the agencies allegedly lured women and teenage girls with promises of lucrative jobs and better living conditions overseas before subjecting them to trafficking, physical and psychological abuse, inhumane treatment, and, in some cases, forcing them into illegal activities.

As part of the investigation, the ACC has formally requested BMET to provide comprehensive records relating to the 57 agencies. BMET sources confirmed that the commission sent the letter on July 23 seeking ownership information, licensing documents, operational records, and details of workers sent abroad through the agencies.

The anti-graft body is also examining whether the agencies obtained licenses or approvals in violation of existing laws and regulations and whether their owners possess assets inconsistent with their known sources of income.

Probe Expanded Following Earlier Investigation

The latest investigation stems from an ACC operation conducted at BMET last year based on confidential information. During the raid, investigators reportedly found preliminary evidence that several recruiting agencies had violated legal procedures by facilitating the trafficking of women overseas.

Subsequent operations led to the seizure of key documents, prompting the commission to file a corruption case on July 3 last year against four BMET officials and five recruiting agency owners and executives for allegedly preparing forged documents to facilitate human trafficking.

During the investigation of that case, the ACC identified links involving another 57 recruiting agencies, leading to the current inquiry.

BMET Officials and Agency Representatives Charged

The case names BMET Deputy Director (Departure) Md. Sazzad Hossain Sarkar, Assistant Director (Departure) Md. Hossain Ullah Akand, Manpower Survey Officer Md. Nizamuddin Patwari, and Office Assistant and Computer Operator Md. Azad Hossain as accused.

Also charged are Md. Anwar Hossain, Managing Partner of HA International; Md. Salauddin, Managing Partner of KH Overseas; Md. Jamal Hossain, proprietor of Makkah Overseas; Md. Anwar Hossain Bhuiyan, Managing Partner of Tasnim Overseas; and Ekramul Haque, partner of SM Manpower.

Fake Passports Used to Obtain Overseas Clearance

According to the First Information Report (FIR), an ACC operation conducted at BMET headquarters in Dhaka on May 29, 2025, uncovered evidence that several recruiting agencies colluded to send women to Middle Eastern countries as domestic workers using fraudulent passports.

Investigators alleged that agencies submitted applications using passport numbers belonging to women other than the actual applicants, while BMET officials approved the overseas clearances without properly verifying the information in the official database.

The investigation also found evidence that women below the minimum age of 25 years were granted clearance for domestic employment in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries, in violation of government regulations. The FIR further alleges that the officials involved received financial benefits in exchange for facilitating the fraudulent approvals.

Following the operation, investigators examined preserved official records and reportedly found evidence of forgery, fraud and procedural irregularities. The ACC had earlier stated that further investigation was underway to identify all individuals and organizations involved.

Fifty-Seven Agencies under Scrutiny

The agencies now under investigation include 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., Azaz 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, Makkah 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 and Services Ltd., Al-Imran International, and HA International.

ACC Assistant Director (Public Relations) Tanjir Ahmed said the investigating officer has been conducting a thorough inquiry since the case was filed.

“If additional individuals or organizations are found to have been involved during the investigation, the investigating officer may, with the Commission’s approval, include their names in the charge sheet. The same procedure will be followed in this case if further involvement is established,” he said.

The ACC said the investigation is continuing, and further legal action will be taken against all individuals and organizations found to be involved based on the evidence collected.