Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Urges Malaysia to Reopen Labor Market and Boost Bilateral Trade
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tareque Rahman has urged his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, to expedite the reopening of the Malaysian labor market to Bangladeshi workers, aiming to formalize migration channels and curb the influence of intermediaries. During a joint press conference held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya on Monday, Rahman emphasized the need for a transparent, fair, and cost-effective recruitment process to ensure the welfare of migrant workers.
The discussion, which followed high-level bilateral talks, also addressed the legalization of undocumented Bangladeshi workers currently in Malaysia and the potential repatriation of those detained. Both leaders underscored their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, signaling a new chapter in cooperation between the two nations.
Rahman, who arrived in Malaysia for his first foreign visit since assuming office in February, highlighted the historical significance of the relationship, recalling the foundational diplomatic visits of his father, President Ziaur Rahman, in 1979 and his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, in 1993. He characterized Malaysia as a long-standing, trusted partner, noting that the shared values and deep-rooted public connections provide a stable foundation for ongoing collaboration.
The bilateral agenda extended beyond labor, covering trade, infrastructure, energy, digital economy, and the semiconductor sector. Both nations have agreed to move forward with discussions regarding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost economic growth. To solidify these ties, the two governments exchanged several key documents, including a memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation, as well as agreements focused on counter-terrorism research, capacity building, and investment promotion.
Addressing the Malaysian business community, Prime Minister Rahman emphasized that his government has successfully restored political stability and is actively fostering an investment-friendly environment in Bangladesh. He invited Malaysian investors to explore the significant untapped potential within the Bangladeshi market, particularly in sectors such as agriculture processing, ICT, and infrastructure.
On the regional and international front, Rahman expressed deep concern regarding the ongoing Rohingya crisis and thanked Malaysia for its continued support in seeking a safe and dignified repatriation process. Furthermore, he articulated Bangladesh’s aspiration to become a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN and reaffirmed its interest in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The Prime Minister concluded the visit by extending a formal invitation to Anwar Ibrahim and his spouse to visit Bangladesh. The high-level delegation accompanying Rahman included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Expatriate Welfare, and several key economic and foreign policy advisors, all of whom participated in the discussions aimed at bolstering regional peace and economic integration.
