Asadusjaman Shajib 

Nizam Uddin Khan, a resident of Chutipur village in Damurhuda Thana Chuadanga district was preparing to travel to Singapore on a labour visa. Everything was almost finalized—he only needed to complete technical training. With high hopes, he enrolled at Nanyang Stanford Skills Development Ltd., a subsidiary of Stanford Employment Pvt. Ltd., located in the Turag area of the capital. Midway through the training, he heard rumors about the institution having documentation issues. Alarmed, Nizam Uddin Khan approached the organization’s management. Eventually, he was assured that there was no real issue. The confusion was created by fabricated online reports published by certain individuals hired by a rival organization. These reports were deliberately spread through Facebook and other online platforms.

While Nizam Uddin Khan directly contacted the management of Nanyang Stanford, Mr. Tuhin Parvej and his wife Maleka Begum from Satkania, Chattagram, opted to switch to a different training center. Unfortunately, even after paying again, he did not receive the desired training according to the procedures. Based on complaints from both individuals, a special investigative team from our daily magazine began a probe, uncovering a disturbing pattern of rivalry. The investigation revealed the involvement of a dubious agency, masquerading as a manpower organization, which has been deceiving thousands under the guise of overseas employment. Even the Ministry and BMET (Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training) indirectly acknowledged the name of this agency.

For more than a decade, Stanford Employment Pvt. Ltd. and Nanyang Stanford Skills Development Ltd. have been working to send manpower to Singapore. Their reputation in the labor export market is exceptional. Over the years, expatriates have expressed strong satisfaction with the training, visa processing, and other services offered by the institutions. Even their family members have provided positive feedback to BMET (Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training) and the relevant ministry.

Driven by envy and unable to compete, this rival group started publishing false reports in underground news outlets to defame Stanford Employment Pvt. Ltd. and its subsidiary. Their hope was that these defamatory tactics would help attract trainees to their own organization. However, following a formal complaint, authorities have begun identifying those behind the smear campaign.

Uttam Kumar Roy, Managing Director of Stanford Employment Pvt. Ltd. and Nanyang Stanford Skills Development Ltd., stated: “We have always conducted our service-oriented business transparently and cooperatively. Suddenly, one of our known competitors—unable to match our success—is attempting to tarnish our reputation. We have already submitted complaints to our parent organization and the relevant ministry. Despite having valid licenses and updated documentation, false news is being spread both locally and in Singapore to damage our reputation. This alone shows the malicious intent behind their actions.”

A top BMET (Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training) official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed:

“We have received reports and documentation regarding the allegations against Stanford Employment Pvt. Ltd. The company’s director submitted a formal complaint seeking redress. Following that, we spoke directly with the managing director of Stanford. We are thoroughly investigating the matter and trying to identify the competing agency behind this. If their actions harm national interests, we will not tolerate it.”

The official further emphasized: “We’re placing special importance on our remittance warriors (migrant workers). Anyone standing in their way will be dealt with strictly. If necessary, we’ll take help from law enforcement to locate and act against these anti-national elements.”

He added that during ongoing investigations, disclosing the ministry’s plans or personnel could help the culprits evade justice. According to him, while competition among businesses is normal, it should not harm the country’s reputation or integrity. Malice and envy only bring damage—to both individuals and the nation. Healthy competition regarding Nanyang Stanford’s quality of training is understandable, but underground reporting and defamation campaigns will not be tolerated. Legal action will be taken against those responsible.

Further investigation confirms that Stanford Employment Pvt. Ltd. and Nanyang Stanford Skills Development Ltd. are reputed technical training institutions. They have been consistently delivering quality training for years. Thousands of unemployed youths have gone abroad, particularly to Singapore, through them—many of whom are now financially self-sufficient and regularly sending remittances back home. A large portion of these workers have returned after completing their assignments and gone back abroad again. Through these workers, Nanyang Stanford’s reputation has spread to various countries. This is likely the reason behind the envy-driven propaganda by certain vested interests.

As a result of this smear campaign, training and delegations are being disrupted, affecting the dreams of hundreds of aspiring migrant workers. When informed, the Deputy Secretary of the relevant ministry acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and assured immediate action.

“We will identify and bring the conspiratorial organization under legal action,” he said. Disappointed, he added, “In most countries, institutions help each other in such cases. Because no matter which channel a skilled laborer uses to go abroad, it ultimately benefits the nation through remittances. Hence, we should rise above jealousy and work together.”

He concluded by saying that Stanford Employment Pvt. Ltd. and Nanyang Stanford Skills Development Ltd. are proven, reliable organizations. Upon checking all documents, including updated licenses, the ministry found no issues. No doubts were raised regarding the quality of their services or training.