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Published : 22 Jun 2026, 12:42 PM
Bangladesh and Malaysia say they are looking forward to “new heights” in their bilateral relationship following discussions in Kuala Lumpur.
The statement came on Monday at a joint press conference following one-to-one and delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Perdana Putra.
The office sits at the heart of Putrajaya, the federal administrative capital of Malaysia just outside Kuala Lumpur.
The two sides covered a plethora of issues in the talks and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on culture in the presence of the two premiers alongside two notes of exchange.
The Bangladesh leader said he had urged Malaysia to expand recruitment of Bangladeshi workers, speed up labour market access, and consider the regularisation of undocumented migrants alongside the repatriation of detained nationals.
In response, Malaysian prime minister acknowledged Dhaka’s concerns and affirmed Kuala Lumpur’s commitment to refining the recruitment architecture.
Both sides agreed that labour recruitment systems must be transparent, fair and cost-effective, with efforts to reduce intermediaries and lower migration costs for workers.
Tarique's side at the talks included Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Foreign Affairs Advisor Humayun Kabir, Finance Advisor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Education Advisor Mahdi Amin, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, and Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.
The bilateral summit holds geopolitical weight as Dhaka aggressively repositions its foreign policy.
Bangladesh is increasingly keen to integrate with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) -- a strategic pivot originally floated during the previous interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus.
With SAARC effectively deadlocked due to deep-seated tensions between India and Pakistan, Dhaka is actively looking eastward to safeguard its economic futures.
Opening his remarks, Tarique thanked Anwar, recalling that one of the first messages of congratulations he received after taking office as prime minister in February came from the Malaysian leader, who also extended an invitation to visit.
He said he was honoured to accept and delighted to be in Malaysia on his first overseas trip as premier, with his wife by his side.
Describing Malaysia as a longstanding and trusted partner of Bangladesh, Tarique said the relationship has been built on mutual trust, shared values and strong people-to-people ties.
‘Productive Talks’
Describing the wide-ranging discussions as “highly productive”, Tarique noted that the two sides exchanged views on bilateral cooperation alongside regional and global developments.
The two nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening ties, agreeing to boost engagement through existing mechanisms, including joint commission sessions and bilateral consultations between the foreign ministries.
Anwar was unequivocal on the worker issue. "We need the workers. And more importantly, we have to protect the welfare of the workers and their families. This continued use of workers being exploited, ill-treated and purely for personal accompanying gains cannot be tolerated," he said.
He said he appreciated Tarique's candour and their shared resolve, adding: "We must take the lead in stopping the excesses and making sure it is transparent, meets the requirement of both countries, but must protect the interests of these workers and their families."
They also welcomed the steady growth of bilateral commerce and decided to fast-track negotiations for a proposed Bangladesh-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Anwar acknowledged that bilateral trade had been “lukewarm” and called for a step change, pointing to new areas beyond agriculture -- including semiconductors, the digital economy, energy and advanced manufacturing.
Both sides agreed to expand cooperation into emerging fields such as research, new science, technology and artificial intelligence, with Anwar saying these were the key challenges for the future.
New Chapter in Relations
A memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation was signed in the presence of both premiers.
The two foreign ministers also exchanged documents on counter-terrorism research and capacity building, and on bilateral investment promotion and facilitation.
These initiatives will fortify existing cooperation and maintain positive momentum in bilateral relations, Tarique said, expressing conviction that the discussions would mark a new chapter in partnership for joint prosperity, regional peace, and an inclusive global order.
Call to Malaysian Investors
Tarique pointed out that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a powerful public mandate in the Feb 12 elections, establishing political stability through democratic processes.
He said the administration is prioritising job creation, foreign investment, and accelerated economic growth while building a business-friendly environment.
Urging Malaysian corporate entities to seize these opportunities, Tarique mentioned that the bilateral discussions covered information and communication technology, energy, infrastructure, human resources, the halal industry, agro-processing, education, skill development, defence, the digital economy, and the semiconductor sector.
He described the Bangladeshi labourers, students, professionals, and entrepreneurs residing in Malaysia as a vital bridge contributing significantly to the economy and society of both nations.
Rohingya Crisis and ASEAN Hopes
Turning to regional issues, Tarique voiced deep concern over the plight of the Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh, offering thanks to Malaysia for its consistent support toward their safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation.
He indicated that Dhaka seeks a closer relationship with ASEAN, aiming to become a sectoral dialogue partner and join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
He expressed appreciation for Malaysia's backing of these regional integration efforts.
Anwar said both countries would work through the ASEAN mechanisms to engage Myanmar on the Rohingya crisis.
On Palestine, he said: "On the plight of atrocities inflicted on Gaza by the Zionist-Israeli regime, on the support to the lasting peace in the Gulf and Iran -- we are together, and we will continue to engage with all our partners to ensure there is peace."
Tarique thanked Malaysia for supporting Bangladesh's candidacy for the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly session.
Anwar noted he was among the first to congratulate Tarique after he took office in February and had personally extended the invitation to visit.
"I'm so pleased that Malaysia is the first country he chose for his official visit. That gesture is very much appreciated. That shows your deep affection and trust," he said.
Echoes of Past Visits
Tarique recalled his father, former president Ziaur Rahman's 1979 visit to Malaysia, which he said strengthened political ties and laid the groundwork for labour cooperation. He also remembered his mother, former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia's 1993 visit, saying it deepened the friendship and opened new avenues for bilateral cooperation.
Responding, Anwar recalled meeting Tarique's late father at the Mouchak camp when he was a youth leader and later meeting Khaleda Zia during his tenure as Malaysia's deputy prime minister.
He said Tarique and his family had "endured hardships and struggles" in remaining committed to their ideals, adding: "We consider you part of the enlarged family."
The official engagement wrapped up with Tarique inviting Anwar and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time, assuring them that the people of Bangladesh would be proud to welcome them.
