Bangladesh and Malaysia will convene senior-level discussions in Putrajaya on Tuesday with the objective of broadening cooperation in trade, labor migration, energy, education, and ancillary domains.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is anticipated to land in Kuala Lumpur on Monday for a three-day official mission, responding to an invitation from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The two heads of government are expected to oversee the conclusion of various cooperation instruments, including memoranda of understanding and certified diplomatic notes.
A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the agenda will encompass the promotion of transparent and accountable recruitment practices for Bangladeshi workers, the deepening of partnerships in halal food production, engagement in the blue economy, the enhancement of higher education linkages, and the collective management of the Rohingya refugee situation. Energy cooperation will constitute another significant focal point of the bilateral dialogue.
The visit follows Prime Minister Anwar’s trip to Dhaka in October, the first by any head of government since Bangladesh’s interim administration took office.
According to Yunus’s office, his delegation will include advisers for foreign affairs, labor, and energy, as well as the head of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority. The schedule includes bilateral talks, a joint press conference, and an official lunch hosted by Anwar.
Yunus’s landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport will draw the formal reception of the chief of protocol, alongside Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, prior to a ceremonial homage staged at Putrajaya.
Subsequent to the protocol engagements, a business forum will be convened by the Bangladesh High Commission, Bangabandhu International Development Associates, and the Malaysian Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry. The organisers expect the culmination of the forum to be the official formation of the Bangladesh-Malaysia Joint Business Council.
Following this ceremony, Professor Yunus will continue to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, where the reigning sovereign of Negeri Sembilan will, in his role as the university’s chancellor, award the academic gown. Delegates accompanying Professor Yunus will also engage in meetings with Malaysian ministers whose portfolios encompass human resources, agriculture, fisheries, and sports.
During recent talks in Dhaka, Yunus urged Malaysia to support Bangladesh’s bid for ASEAN membership, noting that half the country’s population is under 27 and could offer a competitive workforce for Malaysian investors.
The chief adviser is scheduled to return to Dhaka on Wednesday night.
