Both leaders agreed to hold the next round of discussions on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) soon

TDS Desk:

Referring to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus as his “great friend”, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his support to the interim government’s reform efforts.

Anwar Ibrahim paid an official visit to Bangladesh on Friday (5 October). It was the first official visit by any head of government after the interim government assumed office.

A 58-member delegation, comprising foreign minister, investment, trade, and industry minister, deputy minister for transport, deputy minister for religious affairs, members of parliament, and high officials of the Malaysian government accompanied Anwar Ibrahim.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus received the Malaysian prime minister at the airport. The Malaysian premier was accorded a red-carpet reception with guard of honour and gun salutes.

Official engagements began with a tete-a-tete between the two leaders followed by a bilateral talk.

During the meetings, the two leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to revitalising the long-standing bilateral relations and also discussed potential areas of collaboration, among others, data science, semiconductor, artificial intelligence, finance, health, higher education, agriculture, energy, defence and halal economy.

Both the leaders agreed to hold the next round of discussions on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) soon.

They also agreed to hold a foreign minister-level joint commission meeting preferably in the early next year.

The Malaysian prime minister lauded the enormous contribution of Prof Yunus to the marginalised segment of society through microcredit and social business in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world.

Advisers for Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Finance, Expatriates’ Welfare, Home Affairs, Road Transport and Bridges, Chief Adviser’s Office, Special Envoy on International Affairs, relevant secretaries and other senior officials of the Bangladesh government were present from the Bangladesh delegation.

The chief advisor also briefed the Malaysian premier on the ongoing reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government towards a democratic and just Bangladesh. “We are moving towards a new Bangladesh, which will make us proud,” Prof Yunus added.

The Malaysian prime minister expressed his support to the interim government’s effort “to bring Bangladesh’s economic trajectory back to track”.

During the official talks, the chief adviser drew special attention of the Malaysian dignitary to the 18,000 Bangladeshi workers who could not fly within the deadline.

The Malaysian prime minister assured that his government will give major consideration to the applications of these Bangladeshi workers.

Prof Yunus urged the Malaysian government to issue multiple visas for the Bangladeshi workers and increase the professional and workers in-take to Malaysia.

While deeply appreciating the enormous contribution made by the Bangladeshi expatriates in Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim underscored the importance of ensuring decent work conditions and other benefits.

He added that the Malaysian government is reviewing the whole recruitment process aimed at ensuring full transparency and accountability in the sector.

The chief adviser drew the Malaysian premier’s attention to the numerous challenges faced by Bangladesh due to the presence of 1.2 million Rohingyas in Bangladesh.

Prof Yunus expressed his hope that as Malaysia is taking up the Chairmanship of the ASEAN, it will use its good offices to increase pressure on the Myanmar authority in order to ensure early repatriation of the Myanmar nationals.

The Malaysian prime minister said he will extend wholehearted support in this regard.

Regarding Bangladesh’s bid for Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, Anwar Ibrahim assured Bangladesh of extending all possible support.

Later, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus jointly addressed the media.

While interacting with the members of the media, both the leaders agreed that the visit has elevated the bilateral relations to a new height.

Following the press conference, Prof Yunus hosted a reception in honour of the Prime Minister.

Advisers of the interim government, members of the Malaysian delegation, foreign envoys, government high officials and eminent persons were in attendance.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also called on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban.

Issues pertaining to mutual interests were featured prominently in the discussion.