Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia has formally written to Mediceram, requesting the company to reinstate more than 170 migrants dismissed on October 31 and to thoroughly review the workers' allegations.

The high commission made the statement on its Facebook page yesterday, two days after Ansell Limited -- the Australia-based buying company -- announced it had suspended its relationship with Mediceram, a small Malaysian supplier of ceramic formers.

Mediceram terminated 177 Bangladeshi workers on October 31 after they protested the non-renewal of work visas for more than 90 migrants.

In early November, Malaysian authorities deported 16 of the workers after Mediceram allegedly forced them to the airport.

Upon returning home, the workers formed human chains in Dhaka and Cumilla and submitted a letter to Expatriates' Welfare Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul, seeking justice over the forced deportation.

Each migrant had spent between Tk 450,000 and Tk 600,000 to migrate to Malaysia. Many received irregular and low wages, and several had their work permits left unrenewed….

In response to the High Commission's request, Mediceram has expressed willingness to resolve the issue quickly and agreed to reinstate the striking workers immediately, subject to their return to work and clearance from Malaysian immigration.