Bangladesh, Malaysia discuss trade, manpower cooperation

The High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh, Mohd Shuhada Othman, paid a maiden courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at her office in Dhaka on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the Malaysian envoy congratulated the state minister on assuming office and conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the Malaysian government to the newly elected government of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

He expressed hope that bilateral relations between the two countries would continue to strengthen under the new leadership and said the Bangladeshi prime minister would be invited to pay a bilateral visit to Malaysia. High-level exchanges, he noted, would further elevate the longstanding partnership.

The state minister highlighted the contribution of former prime minister Khaleda Zia in strengthening Bangladesh–Malaysia relations. She said the government remains committed to advancing bilateral cooperation while ensuring transparency, accountability and anti-corruption.

Both sides discussed different priority areas of cooperation, including diversification of trade, agricultural technology collaboration, sports cooperation, energy trade, supply chain partnerships and increased exports of Bangladeshi apparel.

They also explored cooperation in emerging sectors such as the semiconductor industry, halal sector development and agro-based industries. The Malaysian envoy noted that Malaysian automobile companies could explore assembling vehicles in Bangladesh while offering training opportunities to Bangladeshi professionals.

The possibility of establishing a Joint Business Council between the two countries was also discussed.

Shama Obaed said creating employment opportunities for youth and women remains a key priority of the government and emphasised the importance of sending skilled manpower to Malaysia. She thanked the Malaysian government for facilitating multiple-entry visas for Bangladeshi nationals and stressed the need for stronger manpower cooperation and vocational training.

She also noted that more than 10,000 Bangladeshi students are currently studying in Malaysia, while Bangladeshi academics are contributing to Malaysian universities.

Highlighting the role of the private sector in boosting economic cooperation, the state minister proposed increased Malaysian imports of Bangladeshi products, including pharmaceuticals, ceramics, jute goods and ready-made garments.

She also suggested establishing a joint cultural centre in Malaysia to promote Bangladeshi art, culture, cuisine and language.

The Malaysian envoy referred to Malaysian investments in Bangladesh, including companies such as Robi Axiata Limited and edotco Group.

During the meeting, the state minister sought Malaysia’s support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). She also requested Malaysia’s continued support in addressing the Rohingya crisis and ensuring the safe and sustainable repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar.

Both sides expressed optimism about the future of Bangladesh–Malaysia relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation through concrete and result-oriented initiatives.