Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first official
bilateral visit to Malaysia has marked a new chapter in Bangladesh-Malaysia
relations, with both countries agreeing to expand cooperation in trade,
investment, labour migration, technology, energy, defence and regional affairs.
Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur,
Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson and PM’s Adviser Mahdi Amin said the
18-hour visit was short but highly productive.
During the visit, Tarique held bilateral talks with
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and met Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim
Sultan Iskandar.
The two leaders discussed advancing negotiations for
a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), expanding investment, developing the halal
industry, and increasing cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital
economy, cybersecurity and semiconductor sectors, Mahdi said.
Bangladesh also sought Malaysia’s support in
reopening its labour market for Bangladeshi workers. Tarique urged Malaysia to
ensure lower migration costs, transparent recruitment procedures and better
protection for workers.
The issue of undocumented Bangladeshi workers and
those in detention was also raised, with a request for humane solutions under
Malaysian law.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in
education, defence, tourism, energy, renewable power, LNG, oil and gas
exploration, as well as the Rohingya repatriation issue. Malaysia was requested
to support Bangladesh in international forums for the safe, voluntary and
dignified return of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
A joint statement containing 33 points covering nine
areas of cooperation was issued following the talks. Bangladesh and Malaysia
also signed a memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation and exchanged
two notes on investment promotion and counterterrorism cooperation.
During the visit, senior officials of Malaysian
companies including Petronas, Axiata, AirAsia, Perodua and MMC Port met the
Bangladeshi prime minister.
Tarique Rahman and his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman also
invited Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to visit Bangladesh
at a convenient time.