Putrajaya: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today expressed optimism that more Bangladeshis would secure job opportunities in the Malaysian labor market. He made these remarks during a joint press conference, which took place on the second day of his visit to Malaysia, following a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The meeting culminated in the signing of five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and three exchanges of notes between the two countries.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the press conference was held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya. Professor Yunus highlighted the significant number of Bangladeshi workers currently employed in Malaysia, emphasizing how the remittances they send back home support their families and contribute to their children’s education. “We hope that this door will remain open for Bangladesh and more young people from Bangladesh will get the opportunity to work here,” he stated.
Expressing gratitude to Malaysia for the employment opportunities provided to Bangladeshi workers, the Chief Adviser noted that the Malaysian people treat these workers as family members and friends, which makes them very happy. He added, “Apart from earning money, they learn a lot from here, which will help them set up their own businesses after returning home.”
Professor Yunus also urged Malaysian businessmen to invest in Bangladesh, saying: “We want to develop Bangladesh as a manufacturing hub. You should invest in Bangladesh and bring technology. You can use our human resources to produce products and export them abroad.” He mentioned that Bangladesh is open for investment and business, aiming to build a sustainable economy.
Referring to last year’s July uprising, Professor Yunus recounted how students took to the streets against dictatorship, leading to the fall of the autocratic regime. “We were looking for cooperation to restore stability in a ruined country after taking charge of the new government, and then Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stood by us like a friend. He gave us strength,” he said.
Professor Yunus affirmed Bangladesh’s determination to follow the right path, noting their success in restoring order and reviving the economy. “The institutions that were ruined have been made functional again. That’s why we are able to prepare for the elections after a year,” he mentioned, adding that national polls are scheduled for February next year.
Furthermore, the Chief Adviser sought Malaysia’s cooperation in resolving the Rohingya crisis and obtaining ASEAN membership. At the press conference, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed hope that the excellent relations between the two countries would benefit the people of both nations.