Putrajaya: Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim engaged in high-level discussions at Perdana Putra, emphasizing a commitment to enhance bilateral ties and grow their relationship into a strategic partnership.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting included a one-on-one session between the leaders, a restricted discussion with senior officials, and a broader delegation-level discussion. The focus was on trade, investment, migration, energy cooperation, the blue economy, education, and cultural exchanges. Prof. Yunus highlighted the historical and cultural bonds between the two countries and Malaysia’s role in human resources and trade with Bangladesh.
The leaders addressed issues such as boosting trade, cooperation in migrant worker welfare, education, and the Rohingya crisis. Prof. Yunus expressed gratitude for Malaysia’s facilitation of 8,000 stranded Bangladeshi workers’ entry and the introduction of multiple-entry visas. Both countries emphasized transparent recruitment processes to safeguard worker welfare.
During the delegation-level talks, Adviser on Law, Justice, and Overseas Employment, Asif Nazrul, urged Malaysia to recruit more skilled Bangladeshi professionals through a government-to-government framework. He advocated for opportunities for Bangladeshi security guards and carers, and the regularization of undocumented Bangladeshi workers. Malaysian officials assured equal social security benefits for Bangladeshi workers and the ability to lodge complaints in Bangla.
Bangladesh sought “Graduate Pass” visas for its students in Malaysia, with 10,000 Bangladeshi students currently studying there. The leaders also discussed Bangladesh’s aspiration to deepen engagement with ASEAN, seeking Malaysia’s support during its ASEAN Chairmanship.
On economic matters, the two sides agreed to accelerate negotiations on a Bangladesh-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement and strengthen investment cooperation through Special Economic Zones. Bangladesh sought greater market access for its products and support for developing its Blue Economy and Halal industry. Both countries welcomed a new MoU on LNG supply and energy cooperation and discussed renewable energy partnerships.
Cultural cooperation was also a topic, with Prime Minister Anwar proposing a conference on prominent Asian writers and thinkers. Earlier, Prof. Yunus was given a red-carpet welcome at the Malaysian Prime Minister’s office.
The meeting concluded with the exchange of several MoUs covering various areas, including defence cooperation, LNG supply, and strategic studies collaboration. Prime Minister Anwar hosted a luncheon in honor of Prof. Yunus at his official residence. Bangladesh’s delegation included several advisers and officials accompanying the Chief Adviser on his three-day visit to Malaysia.