Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to expedite the reopening of Malaysia’s labour market for Bangladeshi workers.
Speaking at a joint press conference at the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya on Monday, Tarique Rahman said he had requested Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to consider recruiting more Bangladeshi workers and to facilitate the swift reopening of the labour market.
''I have requested Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to consider recruiting more Bangladeshi workers and reopening the labour market at the earliest opportunity. I also raised the issues of regularising undocumented Bangladeshi workers and the possible repatriation of detained Bangladeshis.''
Tarique Rahman added, both leaders agreed that the recruitment process must be transparent, fair and affordable, reducing the role of intermediaries and lowering migration costs for workers.
Earlier in the day, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim accorded a red-carpet reception to Tarique Rahman at the Perdana Putra complex in Putrajaya.
Tarique Rahman and his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office at 9:00 a.m. local time after travelling in a motorcade from the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. They were welcomed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
A ceremonial guard of honour was presented by a contingent of the Malaysian Armed Forces, while the national anthems of Bangladesh and Malaysia were played. Tarique Rahman later inspected the guard.
Following a high-level bilateral meeting between the two delegations, the two prime ministers addressed a joint press conference.
Fruitful Discussions on Bilateral Cooperation
Tarique Rahman said he had held “extensive and fruitful discussions” with Anwar Ibrahim covering a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues.
“We have reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening Bangladesh-Malaysia relations and agreed to enhance engagement through existing mechanisms, including the Joint Commission Meeting and bilateral consultations between our foreign ministries,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that both sides welcomed the growth in bilateral trade and agreed to advance discussions on a Bangladesh-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
New Chapter in Bilateral Relations
The two leaders welcomed the signing and exchange of several agreements and documents, including:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cultural cooperation;
A document on cooperation in research and capacity-building related to counter-terrorism; and
A bilateral investment-related agreement.
Tarique Rahman said these initiatives would further strengthen cooperation and maintain the positive momentum in bilateral relations.
“I firmly believe today’s discussions will mark the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh-Malaysia relations. We look forward to working together for shared prosperity, regional peace and a more inclusive international order,” he said.
Call for Malaysian Investment
Highlighting Bangladesh’s economic priorities, Tarique Rahman said the government is focused on creating employment opportunities, attracting foreign investment and accelerating economic growth.
He noted that Bangladesh is building a more investment-friendly environment and creating new opportunities for investors.
“I believe there is tremendous potential for Malaysian investment in Bangladesh, and I warmly invite Malaysian businesses to explore these opportunities,” he said.
According to the Prime Minister, discussions covered a broad range of sectors, including information and communication technology (ICT), energy, infrastructure, manpower, halal industries, agro-processing, education, skills development, defence, the digital economy, semiconductors and other high-value industries.
Bangladesh Community in Malaysia
Tarique Rahman acknowledged the contributions of Bangladeshi workers, students, professionals and entrepreneurs living in Malaysia, describing them as a vital bridge between the two nations.
“Their contributions are important for the economies and societies of both countries,” he said.
Rohingya Crisis
The Prime Minister also expressed deep concern over the plight of the Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh and thanked Malaysia for its continued support toward ensuring their safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation.
Closer Engagement with ASEAN
Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh seeks closer engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and hopes to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.
He also reiterated Bangladesh’s interest in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s support in strengthening Bangladesh’s regional connectivity efforts.
Global and Multilateral Cooperation
The two leaders also exchanged views on global issues, including developments in the Middle East.
Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh and Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to working closely together at the United Nations and other international forums.
He thanked Malaysia for supporting Bangladesh’s candidature for the presidency of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly and expressed confidence that cooperation on issues of mutual interest would continue.
Invitation to Visit Bangladesh
Concluding his remarks, Tarique Rahman extended an invitation to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.
“The people of Bangladesh would be honoured to welcome them,” he said.
JB
