His visit came as Malaysia and Bangladesh continue discussions on reopening the recruitment pathway for Bangladeshi workers.
KUALA LUMPUR: British labour rights campaigner Andy Hall has been accused of threatening several Bangladeshi journalists and using racist, offensive language, after a string of media reports about his recent trip to Dhaka and his meetings with government officials.
The accusations, first reported by the news portal The Daily Tribunal, surface at a delicate moment, when Bangladesh and Malaysia are working to reopen the Malaysian labour market to Bangladeshi workers, following a recent visit to Kuala Lumpur by the Bangladeshi prime minister.
According to sources within the Bangladeshi government, Hall met a range of figures during his stay — among them the Minister for Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment, a special assistant to the prime minister, representatives of Bangladeshi recruitment agencies, and officials from non-governmental organisations.
Those officials claim Hall pressed the government to reconsider several elements of the plan to reopen the labour market, including matters tied to Malaysia’s Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS).
The proposals were rejected, the sources say, and the discussions grew tense. The ministry is reported to have held its ground in support of reopening the market.
Once the reports of his visit appeared, Hall is alleged to have sent WhatsApp messages to journalists and media managers, warning that he would pursue legal action.
One message seen by the outlet allegedly read: “You shouldn’t pick a fight with me. I’m British, and I have white skin. Try that with your own Bangladeshi people, but don’t try it with me.”
He is also said to have accused the publications of defamation, claiming his lawyer was preparing to begin legal proceedings.
Hall, for his part, defended the purpose of his trip.
In a statement, he said he had travelled to Bangladesh to support reforms around migration and workers’ rights.
“I’m fighting for a labour market that’s open to everyone,” he said, describing his 5 July meeting with government officials as “unproductive.”
Ministry officials further alleged that Hall’s visit had been arranged by a former joint secretary of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA), along with others said to be trying to shape the government’s approach to the Malaysian labour market.
Several business figures familiar with the matter claimed Hall had met recruitment-agency representatives and migration activists during the trip, though those claims could not be independently verified.
Some in the business community also alleged that Hall had previously backed policies that could limit Bangladesh’s access to the Malaysian labour market while benefiting rival labour-exporting nations.
Hall has publicly denied any wrongdoing in the past.
Meanwhile, a government intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed Hall had entered Bangladesh on a tourist visa.
So far, authorities have announced no formal investigation into the visit or the allegations attached to it.
