Chief Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, Mahdi Amin, has described Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first official state and bilateral visit to Malaysia as a significant milestone in the history of Bangladesh-Malaysia relations. He said the brief but highly productive 18-hour visit has laid a new foundation for cooperation between the two countries in political, economic, trade, labour, education, technology, and strategic sectors.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, Mahdi Amin highlighted various aspects of the visit. He noted that this was Tarique Rahman's first overseas trip since assuming office as Prime Minister. The visit took place at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was among the first world leaders to congratulate Tarique Rahman following his electoral victory.
Mahdi Amin said that during the visit, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held one-to-one talks, a restricted meeting, and a high-level bilateral delegation meeting. The Prime Minister also paid a courtesy call on His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, the King of Malaysia. In addition to issues of mutual interest, the leaders discussed various regional and international matters.
He stated that the discussions focused on nine key areas political cooperation, trade and investment expansion, the halal industry, digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), the semiconductor industry, recruitment of Bangladeshi workers, education, tourism, energy, defence, and security cooperation. To strengthen collaboration in these sectors, the two countries agreed on a 33-point Joint Statement.
Mahdi Amin said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman placed special emphasis on the early reopening of Malaysia's labour market for Bangladeshi workers.
He stressed the need to reduce migration costs, ensure transparency in the recruitment process, and protect the rights and welfare of migrant workers. He also requested a humane and compassionate resolution regarding Bangladeshi nationals who are currently undocumented or detained in Malaysian prisons.
The spokesperson said the two Prime Ministers agreed to advance discussions toward signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). They also underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation in industry and commerce through technology transfer, investment, and skills development.
Referring to the education sector, Mahdi Amin said that around 11,000 Bangladeshi students are currently studying in Malaysia. The two countries agreed to work together on human resource development through partnerships between universities, joint research initiatives, and the expansion of technical and skills-based education.
He further noted that Bangladesh and Malaysia agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence, military training, United Nations peacekeeping operations, and counter-terrorism capacity building. The two sides also discussed expanding tourism and cultural exchanges.
Mahdi Amin said positive discussions were held regarding Malaysian investment and cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in LNG, oil and gas exploration, and renewable energy. Bangladesh also sought Malaysia's continued support in international forums for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis and the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of the displaced population.
