Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and
Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Monday has sought Malaysia’s
constructive role in resolving the Rohingya crisis that not only puts an
economic burden on Bangladesh, but also poses
a threat to the security of the country.
He was speaking as the chief at the 69th National Day celebration of
Malaysia at the Crown Plaza Hotel in the city on Monday.
Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and
Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Monday congratulated the
government and people of Malaysia on the occasion of the country’s 69th
National Day and Malaysia Day, expressing hope that Bangladesh-Malaysia
relations would become deeper and more multifaceted.
Diplomats, politicians, leading businessmen, members of
the civil society, journalists, high civil and military bureaucrats attended
the reception.
Recalling the long-standing friendly relations between
Bangladesh and Malaysia, Moyeen Khan referred to the visit of Shaheed President
Ziaur Rahman in 1979 to Malaysia and the recent visit of Prime Minister Tarique
Rahman to the country.
He said bilateral trade between the two countries
currently stands at around US$3 billion.
“There are opportunities to further expand trade as well
as cooperation in free trade, investment, energy, digital infrastructure,
electric vehicles and advanced technologies,” the minister added.
Emphasising the need to ensure safe and transparent
migration for Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia, he said the two countries should
work together to prevent unscrupulous syndicates from exploiting people seeking
employment abroad.
Meanwhile, Malaysia High Commissioner in Dhaka Mohd Shuhada
Othman in his speech said “And perhaps
this is also the deepest foundation of the friendship between Malaysia and
Bangladesh. Our relationship is not merely between two governments. It is a
relationship between people-to-people: built by students who cross our borders
in search of knowledge, by entrepreneurs who create opportunities, by travelers
who discover each other’s cultures, and above all, by Bangladeshi expatriates
whose hands and hearts have contributed to Malaysia’s development.”
The high commissioner said” Malaysia and Bangladesh
established diplomatic relations in 1972, following Malaysia’s early
recognition of Bangladesh’s independence. More than five decades later, our
relationship has matured into a broad and multifaceted partnership. And this
year, we witnessed a particularly meaningful milestone. Prime Minister Tarique
Rahman chose Malaysia as the destination for his first official visit abroad.
Malaysia High Commissioner in Dhaka Mohd Shuhada Othman also said” In 2025, bilateral trade reached
nearly USD3 billion, making Bangladesh Malaysia’s second-largest trading
partner in South Asia. Certainly, we should not be satisfied with what we have
achieved. That is why both leaders welcomed progress towards negotiations on a
Malaysia–Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement, with the ambition of concluding it in
2027. The establishment of the Malaysia–Bangladesh Joint Business Council will
also provide our private sectors with a stronger platform to transform.
The high commissioner said” Malaysia’s economic engagement with
Bangladesh is not new. Our companies are already part of Bangladesh’s economic
landscape. Robi, has grown into one of Bangladesh’s leading telecommunications
operators, while EDOTCO has established a significant presence in the country’s
telecommunications infrastructure.”
He also said “Going forward, we see opportunities well
beyond traditional sectors. In Semiconductors, Halal Industries, Digital
economy, Advanced manufacturing, Renewable Energy, Infrastructure, Hajj
Management, Islamic Finance, Agriculture and other domains. Through a vibrant
Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI), and INVEST
Bangladesh, we have strong platforms to bring our business communities together
and unlock new opportunities. “
The high commissioner said” There is one thing that cannot
be measured by numbers: the human connection. Malaysia is home to a large
number of Bangladeshi expatriates, those who have helped build Malaysia. And
the bridge extends to education. More than 10,000 Bangladeshi students are
currently studying in Malaysia, while Malaysian students are also pursuing
their studies at various institutions in Bangladesh.
The high commissioner said” Malaysia also welcomes those
seeking quality healthcare through the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026
(MYMT 2026), a major national initiative under the theme “Healing Meets
Hospitality.” “
Malaysia and Bangladesh partnership also has an important
security dimension. Following the signing of the landmark MoU on Defence
Cooperation last year, both sides are committed to operationalizing this
framework further, including through military training, defence and industry
cooperation. Both nations are proud contributors to United Nations
peacekeeping, carrying this responsibility with a deep sense of pride, humility
and commitment to the cause of peace.
The high commissioner said “There is another issue that
deeply connects our two countries: the Rohingya crisis. Malaysia remains
steadfast in its solidarity with Bangladesh and deeply appreciates the
tremendous humanitarian responsibility that Bangladesh has shouldered for many
years.”
Malaysia, has consistently advocated for a durable
solution through bilateral mechanisms and within ASEAN, the OIC and the United
Nations. Our position remains clear: the ultimate solution must be the safe,
dignified, voluntary and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya people.”
The high commissioner said: Our relationship is also
becoming increasingly important in a wider
regional context. Bangladesh has expressed its aspiration to formalize
its engagement with ASEAN as Sectoral Dialogue Partner, and Malaysia has
expressed readiness to support it constructively.”
He said” I am particularly pleased that through the ASEAN Dhaka Committee (ADC), we have been able to deepen engagement between ASEAN diplomatic missions and Bangladesh’s economic and investment institutions. In close collaboration with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), ASEAN Heads of Missions in Dhaka visited Bangladesh’s Economic Zones and the Meghna Group of Industries’ industrial economic zones. “
He also said: And most recently, our engagement has extended to Bangladesh’s renowned textile and garment sector, Zaber & Zubair Fabrics Ltd. These visits provided us with valuable insights into Bangladesh’s industrial capabilities and economic opportunities. They have allowed us to see, first-hand, the Bangladesh that is emerging. These experiences have encouraged us to explore further opportunities, including the prospect of Malaysian investment in Bangladesh’s textile and garment industry.” Malaysia has also expressed support for Bangladesh’s aspiration to join the Regional Economic Comprehensive Partnership (RCEP), recognizing its growing economic significance and strategic role in the region. Malaysia’s foreign policy has been shaped by a commitment to sovereignty, regional stability, and global cooperation. Malaysia remains unwavering in its support of the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, demonstrating a commitment to justice and compassion and recognizing the enduring struggle of the Palestinians. At a time when the world is confronted by immense suffering, our voices must continue to remind the international community that diplomacy must ultimately serve humanity. The high commissioner said” It is in this same spirit that Malaysia views with grave concern the renewed escalation and the risk of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Malaysia firmly believes that lasting peace can only be achieved through political and diplomatic means.”
