*PM urges KL to address issues of undocumented Bangladeshi migrants and detained nationals
*A joint statement comprising 33 points under nine broad areas of cooperation issued
Bangladesh and Malaysia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, manpower, technology, education and regional connectivity following talks between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during Tarique’s first official foreign visit since taking office.
The two leaders held bilateral discussions in Putrajaya on Monday, covering labour migration, trade, investment, security, regional cooperation and the Rohingya crisis. A 33-point joint statement under nine broad areas of cooperation was issued after the talks.
A key focus of the discussions was the reopening of Malaysia’s labour market for Bangladeshi workers. Prime Minister Tarique urged Kuala Lumpur to expedite the process and sought greater cooperation in addressing issues involving undocumented Bangladeshi migrants and detained nationals.
Both sides agreed that future recruitment should be transparent, affordable and free from excessive intermediary involvement to reduce migration costs and ensure fair access to employment opportunities.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic cooperation. Bangladesh and Malaysia agreed to begin negotiations on a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), exchanging Terms of Reference to launch formal talks. They welcomed growing bilateral trade and expressed optimism that the FTA would further boost market access and investment flows.
Speaking at a joint media engagement, Tarique described Malaysia as a trusted partner whose friendship with Bangladesh is built on mutual trust, shared values and strong people-to-people ties. He said his government is focused on job creation, attracting foreign investment and accelerating economic growth following the BNP's electoral victory earlier this year.
"We are building a business-friendly environment and creating new opportunities for investors," he said, inviting Malaysian companies to expand their presence in Bangladesh.
The talks covered cooperation in ICT, energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, education, skills development, halal industries, agro-processing, defence, digital economy and semiconductor manufacturing.
In the presence of the two prime ministers, the two countries signed and exchanged several cooperation instruments, including an MoU on cultural cooperation. Notes were also exchanged on investment promotion and collaboration against terrorism and transnational crime.
The documents were exchanged by Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and his Malaysian counterpart Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan.
Beyond official talks, Tarique devoted significant attention to economic diplomacy. During meetings with senior executives of Petronas, Axiata, AirAsia, Perodua and MMC Port in Kuala Lumpur, he encouraged greater Malaysian investment in Bangladesh and explored opportunities in energy, telecommunications, aviation, manufacturing, logistics and infrastructure.
The two leaders also discussed climate change, food security, human trafficking, cross-border crime and regional stability. Bangladesh sought Malaysia's continued support for the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.
On regional cooperation, Tarique reiterated Bangladesh's interest in becoming an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He thanked Malaysia for supporting Bangladesh's efforts toward deeper regional integration.
The leaders exchanged views on international developments, including the situation in the Middle East, and pledged to continue working closely at the United Nations and other multilateral forums. Tarique also expressed appreciation for Malaysia's support for Bangladesh's candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
Officials described the visit as a significant milestone in Bangladesh-Malaysia relations. Prime Minister's Adviser and PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin said the visit reflected the government's "Bangladesh First" foreign policy and elevated bilateral trust and friendship to a new level.
Prime Minister Tarique and his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday night and were accorded a red-carpet reception and guard of honour at the airport. The ceremonial welcome highlighted the importance Malaysia attached to the visit, the first foreign tour undertaken by Tarique as prime minister.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim later hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting leader. A cultural programme featuring Malaysian artists and schoolchildren celebrated the close ties between the two nations.
Concluding his remarks, Tarique thanked the Malaysian government and people for their hospitality and expressed confidence that the discussions would open a new chapter in bilateral relations, promoting shared prosperity, regional peace and broader cooperation. He also invited Anwar Ibrahim and his spouse to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.
Following the conclusion of his Malaysia programme, the Prime Minister left Kuala Lumpur on Monday afternoon for Dalian, China, to attend the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions, commonly known as the Summer Davos Forum.
