PUTRAJAYA – Malaysia and Bangladesh have pledged to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors following high-level talks between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The bilateral meeting, held at the Perdana Putra Complex on 22 June 2026, was Tarique Rahman’s first official overseas engagement since assuming office earlier this year.
Both leaders emphasised the importance of strengthening ties in areas such as trade, investment, energy, artificial intelligence, education, agriculture, and workforce management.
Labour migration was a central theme, with discussions on reopening Malaysia’s labour market to Bangladeshi workers and regularising undocumented nationals.
Both sides acknowledged the contribution of Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia’s economy and stressed the need for transparent recruitment practices to safeguard worker welfare.
Tarique urged for affordable hiring mechanisms to reduce exploitation, while PM Anwar highlighted that “exploitation and ill-treatment cannot be tolerated”.
The Rohingya crisis featured prominently in the talks. Malaysia and Bangladesh agreed to continue engaging Myanmar through ASEAN mechanisms to secure a safe and dignified repatriation of refugees.
Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment, stating that both countries would “work through common effort” to resolve the plight of Rohingya refugees.
Tarique Rahman expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s support, noting Bangladesh’s ongoing humanitarian burden.
Beyond humanitarian concerns, the leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments.
They voiced shared positions on Palestine, condemning violence in Gaza, and emphasised dialogue and peace as guiding principles in global affairs.
Several agreements were formalised during the visit. A Memorandum of Understanding on cultural cooperation was signed, alongside documents on counter-terrorism research and investment promotion. These instruments are expected to enhance collaboration in security and economic development.
Trade relations remain a cornerstone of the partnership. In 2025, bilateral trade reached RM12.18 billion, with Malaysia exporting petroleum products and importing textiles and footwear from Bangladesh.
Malaysia regards Bangladesh as its second-largest trading partner in South Asia, after India. Both leaders expressed confidence that future cooperation would expand into high-value industries such as semiconductors, digital technology, and halal products.
The visit also carried symbolic significance. Anwar recalled his long-standing ties with Tarique Rahman’s family, describing the Bangladeshi leader as part of an “enlarged family”.
Tarique Rahman, accompanied by his spouse Dr Zubaida Rahman, was accorded a red-carpet welcome upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, underscoring the importance Malaysia places on the relationship.
As the talks concluded, both leaders expressed optimism that the agreements reached would mark a new chapter in Malaysia-Bangladesh relations.
Tarique Rahman stated, “I am confident that today’s discussion will open a new chapter in our relations,” while Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that the partnership would continue to grow in scope and depth.
The official visit highlights the enduring partnership between the two nations, built on shared values and mutual aspirations for regional peace, economic progress, and humanitarian cooperation.
