Through Wafid systemGulf-bound migrant workers trapped in medical syndicate's grip

> Unfit individuals receiving “fit” medical reports in exchange for bribes

> Syndicate of 6 individuals controlling 20 medical centers

> Medical fee officially set at Tk 8,500 being extorted up to Tk 30,000

> Forged reports rampant in Cox’s Bazar, Rajshahi, and Barishal

> Thousands of crores of taka laundered annually

> Many centers receive only 4–5 test referrals per day, while syndicate centers handle 200–250 daily

> Migrant workers left vulnerable and exploited

A powerful syndicate of a few influential owners has seized control of the medical testing system for Gulf-bound workers in Bangladesh, leaving most Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-approved medical centers marginalized and ineffective.

Out of over 200 medical centers approved under the GCC framework, around 20 center mainly in Rajshahi, Cox’s Bazar and Barishal now monopolize 90% of the medical check-ups, many of which involve fraudulent practices.

Despite the official medical examination fee being set at Tk 8,500, workers are being charged as high as Tk 30,000, often for falsified “fit” certificates, sources say.

Allegations of server manipulation and systemic exclusion of other centers through the Wafid (choice slip) system have surfaced. It is claimed that this manipulation not only deprives legitimate centers of referrals but also facilitates money laundering operations worth thousands of crores annually.

During a recent event held at a hotel in Dhaka, several owners of GCC-approved medical centers expressed deep frustration and demanded exemplary punishment for those involved in the syndicate.

They also called for the cancellation of licenses and equal distribution of test referrals across all centers.

According to senior members of the now-defunct GAMCA (Gulf Approved Medical Centers Association), 95% of centers receive just 4–5 referrals per day, sometimes none at all, making it impossible to sustain their operations. In contrast, syndicate-controlled centers reportedly handle 250–500 checkups daily.

All centers were supposed to receive referrals in alphabetical rotation, but the current system, allegedly manipulated, is starkly unequal.

In many cases, workers are funneled through syndicate-controlled centers in Dhaka, while slips are issued in the names of centers in other districts such as Rajshahi, Tangail, and Cox’s Bazar. The forged reports are then uploaded online from the issuing district, maintaining the appearance of procedural legitimacy.

Although GCC regulations prohibit a single individual from owning more than one center, some syndicate members allegedly control as many as 25 centers.

Among them are as follows:

# Mohammad Bashir, owner of over 12 centers including Hope (Rajshahi) and Bay Medical (Cox’s Bazar)

# Jasim Uddin Syed, United Manpower Consultancy (approx. 30 centers)

# Md. Khurshid Alam, JSK Travels (22 centers)

# Jahangir Alam Biswas, current GCC Medical Owners’ Association President (approx. 20 centers)

# Noman Chowdhury & Enam Chowdhury, of Damhasi Corporation and Smart Medical Center respectively (11 centers)

# Md. Rubel, Bangladesh Ltd. (11 centers)

# Kapil Majumdar, SKN Medical Center

This group is believed to have exploited the system for years, denying smaller operators a fair share.

One owner lamented, “I invested Tk 4.5 crore to establish my center, but I receive only 4–5 patients a day. I can't even pay staff salaries, while syndicate members run hundreds of checkups daily in just one center.”

Investigations reveal that fake medical certificates are issued to unfit individuals for Tk 25,000–30,000 each, undercutting the integrity of the system and posing a serious public health risk.

Victims of this fraud, such as Cox’s Bazar native Ratan Mia, report returning home from Saudi Arabia after being declared unfit abroad—despite paying for a falsified “fit” certificate in Bangladesh.

Medical centers involved in these alleged malpractices include:

Cox’s Bazar: Al-Man Medical, Bay Medical, Common Health Care, Max Medical, Suco Medical

Barishal: Alif Check-Up, Barishal Central Diagnostic, Yaqeen Medical

Rajshahi: Al-Ali Diagnostic, Al-Nahian Medical, Hope Medical, Nazwa Medical, Sottota Setup Center

Dhaka: SKN Health, SR Medical & Diagnostic, Smart Medical, Damhasi Medical, Icon Medical, Dhaka Health

Accusations against these centers include providing “fit” reports to unfit workers, uploading them to the GCC system, and making massive profits illegally.

It’s also alleged that certain corrupt embassy officials facilitate the approval of new centers in exchange for multi-crore shares. Violations of basic operational norms, such as the absence of female doctors for examining female patients, are reportedly widespread, especially in Rajshahi, Cox’s Bazar, and Barishal.

Experts warn this malpractice threatens the country’s overseas employment market. Workers found unfit after arriving abroad are often deported, causing financial ruin and damaging Bangladesh’s international reputation.

One such victim, Ratan Mia, said, “I paid Tk 25,000 to a local broker for a fit certificate. After arriving in Saudi Arabia, I was declared unfit and sent back. Now, I’m drowning in debt. Suicide seems like my only option.”

Industry insiders demand immediate government intervention, a thorough investigation, and formal notification to the Saudi embassy.

They stress that the manipulation of Wafid must be addressed and those responsible held to account.

When contacted, former GAMCA president Jahangir Alam Biswas acknowledged irregularities, stating: “Some centers are manipulating referral distribution. We, the center owners, are discussing this. We demand equitable distribution among all owners. Immediate action will be taken.”

He denied involvement in any malpractice involving choice slips