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BangladeshNationalist Party-BNP
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Assalamu Alaikum.
Dear brothers and sisters from the media,
I extend my sincere greetings and heartfelt thanks to all of you. Many of you have traveled from Dhaka to be here, while others are residing in Malaysia. I am grateful to each of you for attending this press conference today.
Joining me here today are the Honorable Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Mr. Humayun Kabir; the Honorable Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary, Mr. Atikur Rahman Ruman; members of the Prime Minister’s Press Team; officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and officials of the Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia.
As you are aware, this is the first foreign visit of the Honorable Prime Minister, Mr. Tarique Rahman, since assuming responsibility for leading the government. Following his arrival in Malaysia last night, we are scheduled to depart the country shortly today as part of this very brief visit.
Despite being a visit of less than half a day, we have witnessed the Honorable Prime Minister accomplish a number of important engagements through an exceptionally busy schedule.
As many of you are already aware, following his victory in the 13th National Election, one of the first world leaders to congratulate the Honorable Prime Minister, Mr. Tarique Rahman, was the Honorable Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
President Shaheed Ziaur Rahman visited Malaysia in 1979 as the President of Bangladesh, and it was through his initiative that the export of Bangladeshi manpower to Malaysia first began. Later, after assuming office as Prime Minister for the first time, Begum Khaleda Zia visited Malaysia in 1993 and undertook initiatives to implement various aspects of Malaysia’s development and progress in Bangladesh. Naturally, Malaysia shares a historic relationship with BNP-led governments, and it is a reflection of that continuity that the Honorable Prime Minister has chosen this country as the destination of his first foreign visit after winning the election.
In contrast to conventional practice, the Honorable Prime Minister has traveled to Malaysia with a very small delegation. Accompanying him is his spouse, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, who today participated in several separate engagements with the spouse of the Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
The official delegation accompanying the Honorable Prime Minister consists of 23 additional members, including 10 individuals holding the rank of ministers, state ministers, or advisers. In addition, a limited number of essential support personnel, including officials responsible for security, protocol, and media affairs, are part of the delegation.
The Prime Minister traveled to Malaysia on a regular Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. During the journey, he interacted warmly and cordially with fellow passengers, exchanging greetings and engaging with them in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Dear journalists, brothers and sisters,
At the invitation of the Honorable Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Mr. Tarique Rahman, arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where he and his spouse were warmly received at the airport’s VVIP Terminal by Malaysia’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, and his spouse. Following the reception, the Honorable Prime Minister was accorded a red-carpet welcome and a Guard of Honour by the Government of Malaysia. During the ceremony, the national anthems of both Bangladesh and Malaysia were played. The Prime Minister was then escorted from the airport to the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur in a special motorcade.
To mark the visit of the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the approximately 50-minute route from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the hotel was decorated with the national flags of Bangladesh and Malaysia.
Today in Putrajaya, the Honorable Prime Minister was once again accorded a red-carpet reception. The roads along his route were adorned with the national flags of both countries as a gesture of welcome and respect. Billboards displaying photographs of the Honorable Prime Minister and his spouse, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, were also prominently displayed throughout Putrajaya.
Dear journalists, brothers and sisters,
Immediately upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur last night, an exchange meeting was organized with members of the Bangladeshi expatriate community residing in Malaysia. In the presence of expatriates from diverse professional and social backgrounds, the Honorable Prime Minister shared his vision, aspirations, and roadmap for building the Bangladesh of the future. The warm and sincere interaction reflected a strong collective commitment to shaping a better tomorrow for Bangladesh. During the nearly one-hour discussion, the Honorable Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the positive contributions made by Bangladeshi expatriates toward the country’s development.
As you are aware, despite the short duration of this visit, an extensive meeting was held between the Honorable Prime Ministers of Bangladesh and Malaysia. The engagement began with a one-on-one meeting between the two leaders. This was followed by a limited-scale discussion, during which a range of important bilateral issues were discussed openly and constructively. Subsequently, a broader delegation-level meeting was held, bringing together representatives from both sides for cordial and productive discussions.
At the invitation of the Honorable Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Bangladeshi delegation led by the Honorable Prime Minister participated in an official luncheon. Later, the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh met with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, King of Malaysia, where various important aspects of bilateral relations were also discussed.
During these high-level engagements, both sides exchanged views not only on different dimensions of Bangladesh–Malaysia relations but also on regional and international issues of mutual interest. At the same time, both countries reaffirmed their strong commitment to elevating bilateral relations to a new level of cooperation and partnership.
Dear journalists, brothers and sisters,
During this historic visit, Bangladesh and Malaysia held extensive discussions covering a number of important sectors. These included political cooperation, expansion of trade and investment, the halal industry, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and the semiconductor sector, recruitment of workers from Bangladesh and cooperation for their welfare, collaboration in education and tourism, the energy sector, defense and security, as well as regional and multilateral cooperation.
It is noteworthy that, with the mutual consent of both countries, a Joint Statement comprising 33 points was issued with the objective of enhancing cooperation across nine key areas.
Following the meetings, the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the Honorable Prime Minister of Malaysia held a joint press conference. During the press conference, the Malaysian Prime Minister highly praised the contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia to the history and development of Bangladesh.
He also recalled the sacrifices and struggles of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in promoting the rights, freedoms, and democratic aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. Furthermore, he reaffirmed the unique historical bonds of brotherhood and friendship that have long existed between Bangladesh and Malaysia, emphasizing the importance of strengthening these ties in the years ahead.
Dear journalists, brothers and sisters,
The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen economic cooperation by expanding trade and investment while prioritizing mutual interests. Both countries agreed to advance discussions aimed at signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
They also discussed enhancing cooperation in industry and business through technology transfer, investment, and skills development in order to create new employment opportunities and expand economic prospects in both countries. At the same time, special emphasis was placed on the significant potential of the halal industry and halal trade.
The two sides agreed to increase cooperation in Bangladesh’s halal sector by utilizing Malaysia’s extensive experience and expertise. This cooperation will include the development of halal products, strengthening halal certification systems, building a skilled workforce, and expanding research and training activities in the sector.
Dear journalists, brothers and sisters,
During today’s discussions, special emphasis was placed on enhancing cooperation in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the digital economy, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Both sides also highlighted the importance of increasing Malaysian investment in Bangladesh’s information technology sector, particularly in technology parks and economic zones.
As you are aware, nearly 11,000 Bangladeshi students are currently pursuing their education in Malaysia. Both countries acknowledged and appreciated their positive contributions to the socio-economic development of Bangladesh and Malaysia. The two Prime Ministers expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the education sector, particularly through partnerships between universities, joint research initiatives, and the expansion of technical and skills-based education.
Both leaders also emphasized the importance of developing a skilled workforce aligned with the demands of the modern labor market and enhancing opportunities for students to acquire practical and professional skills.
The two countries agreed to further strengthen defense cooperation, expand military training and capacity-building programs, and enhance collaboration in United Nations peacekeeping operations. They also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism efforts through training, knowledge-sharing, and institutional capacity development.
In addition, discussions were held on ways to expand cooperation in the fields of tourism and culture, with both sides recognizing the importance of stronger people-to-people connections and cultural exchanges in further strengthening bilateral relations.
Dear journalists, brothers and sisters,
As you are aware, it was during the tenure of a BNP-led government that the export of Bangladeshi manpower to Malaysia first began, and it was under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman that Malaysia initially opened its labor market to Bangladeshi workers. Due to a variety of reasons, however, this labor market has remained closed for several years.
Naturally, in pursuit of protecting the interests of the people of Bangladesh, the Honorable Prime Minister raised the issue of reopening the Malaysian labor market during his bilateral meetings with both the Honorable Prime Minister of Malaysia and His Majesty the King.
The two Prime Ministers shared the view that migration costs should be reduced as much as possible, migration processes should be made more transparent, and adequate measures should be taken to ensure the protection of workers in safe and secure working environments.
The Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh called for the Malaysian labor market to be reopened for Bangladeshi workers as soon as possible. He also sincerely requested initiatives to create employment opportunities for a greater number of Bangladeshi workers at lower migration costs.
In addition, the Honorable Prime Minister raised the issue of Bangladeshi nationals who, for various reasons, are currently living in Malaysia without legal status or are detained in correctional facilities. He requested that, in accordance with Malaysian laws, consideration be given to addressing these cases in a humane and compassionate manner, either by providing pathways toward legal status where possible or by facilitating their safe return to Bangladesh when necessary.
In addition, the Honorable Prime Minister sincerely requested that, in accordance with the existing laws of Malaysia, consideration be given to addressing the situation of Bangladeshi nationals who, for various reasons, are currently residing in the country without legal status or are detained in correctional facilities. He emphasized the importance of exploring humane and compassionate approaches to either regularize their status where possible or facilitate their safe return to Bangladesh when necessary.
During both meetings, the significant contribution of Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia’s socio-economic development was highly appreciated. The important role played by the Bangladeshi expatriate community in strengthening and advancing Bangladesh–Malaysia relations was also recognized and acknowledged.
Bangladesh and Malaysia further agreed to enhance cooperation and investment in the energy sector. In particular, constructive discussions were held regarding potential Malaysian investment in LNG, oil and gas exploration, and renewable energy development.
The two sides also discussed ways to ensure the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya people currently sheltered in Bangladesh to Myanmar. In this regard, they explored how Malaysia could further support Bangladesh through various regional and international platforms.
Similarly, discussions were held on how Malaysia could assist Bangladesh in strengthening its engagement with ASEAN as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner and support Bangladesh’s future inclusion in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Both leaders also reiterated their support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and called upon the international community to continue dialogue, diplomatic initiatives, and constructive efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and peaceful solution in the Middle East. They further expressed their commitment to enhancing coordination within international forums, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and to working jointly in support of international law and a rules-based global order founded on justice.
The governments of Bangladesh and Malaysia also agreed to work closely together in addressing a range of global security challenges, including climate change, food security, human trafficking, and transnational crime, through strengthened bilateral and international cooperation.
Dear journalists, brothers and sisters,
During this visit, and in the presence of the Honorable Prime Ministers of both Bangladesh and Malaysia, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cultural Cooperation was signed between the two countries. The primary objective of this agreement is to further strengthen the historical ties, shared heritage, and longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia through enhanced cultural exchanges and cooperation.
In addition, two Exchanges of Notes were signed concerning the promotion of investment and cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.
During the visit, the Honorable Prime Minister held separate meetings with senior executives from five major Malaysian business organizations. These included Petronas, Axiata, AirAsia, Perodua, and MMC Port Holdings.
During the course of the visit, the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh and his spouse extended a cordial invitation to the Honorable Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and his spouse, Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.
The Honorable Prime Minister also expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Malaysia for organizing this historic visit. He conveyed his appreciation for Malaysia’s warm hospitality, generous cooperation, and friendly reception throughout the visit.
Following the one-on-one meeting between the two Prime Ministers, a limited bilateral meeting was held with members of the respective delegations. The Bangladeshi delegation included Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment and Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, Mahdi Amin.
The Malaysian delegation included Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, Private Secretary to the Prime Minister Dato’ Shahrol Anuar bin Sarman, and Secretary-General Tan Sri Amran Mohamed Zin.
As part of his bilateral engagements, the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh also met with His Majesty the King of Malaysia. During the meeting, members of the Bangladeshi delegation included Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment and PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin, and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad.
Dear journalists, brothers and sisters,
Today’s visit is not merely a state visit; it marks a historic chapter in the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia and the beginning of a new era of future cooperation. Despite its brief duration of only 18 hours, this highly productive visit has resulted in important discussions, understandings, and decisions on mutual cooperation that will open new avenues of opportunity for both countries in the years ahead.
The first foreign visit of the Honorable Prime Minister, Mr. Tarique Rahman, following the formation of a government elected by the people’s vote, will, Insha’Allah, be remembered as a significant milestone in the history of Bangladesh–Malaysia relations. Through this visit, the mutual trust, friendship, and people-to-people ties between the two nations have been further strengthened and consolidated.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all of you for your patience and attention throughout this briefing. Insha’Allah, we will shortly depart for China, and we will continue to keep you regularly informed about the activities and engagements taking place there.
Thank you.
Assalamu Alaikum.
Bangladesh Zindabad.
Mahdi Amin
Adviser to the Honorable Prime Minister (with the rank of State Minister)
and Spokesperson, Prime Minister’s Office
