Yunus optimistic Malaysia will expand job opportunities for Bangladeshis

He seeks Malaysia’s assistance in resolving the Rohingya crisis and in Bangladesh’s bid for ASEAN membership

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus is optimistic that more Bangladeshis will secure employment in Malaysia following talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the signing of eight cooperation instruments.

On Tuesday, the second day of his visit, Yunus noted that five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and three notes had been exchanged, strengthening bilateral labour and investment ties, state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha reported.

He said Malaysia currently hosts a large number of Bangladeshi workers whose remittances sustain families and fund education back home.

"We hope that this door will remain open for Bangladesh and more young people from Bangladesh will get the opportunity to work here," he was quoted as saying, thanking Malaysia for treating Bangladeshi workers “as family members and friends”.

Yunus added that migrant workers not only earn income but also acquire skills and knowledge that can help them start businesses after returning home.

Calling on Malaysian businesses to invest in Bangladesh, he said: "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 stressed that Bangladesh had opened its economy for investment to build a sustainable future.

Reflecting on the July Uprising that toppled the Awami League government, Yunus said Malaysia’s support was crucial in helping his administration restore order after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime.

He said, “…Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stood by us like a friend. He gave us strength."

Yunus said his government had revived key institutions, stabilised the economy, and was now preparing for national elections in February next year.

He also sought Malaysia’s assistance in resolving the Rohingya crisis and in Bangladesh’s bid for ASEAN membership.

Anwar, speaking alongside Yunus, expressed hope that the excellent relations between the two countries would continue to improve the welfare of their peoples.