News Desk

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on Friday evening after completing his first overseas tour since assuming office, concluding high-level visits to Malaysia and China that focused on strengthening diplomatic ties, attracting foreign investment, and expanding economic cooperation.

A China Southern Airlines flight carrying the prime minister, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, and members of the official delegation landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 7:45pm, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. The prime minister was welcomed at the airport by several cabinet members, advisers, lawmakers, senior government officials, and leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Rahman’s maiden foreign tour began with a two-day official visit to Malaysia on June 21 at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. During the visit, the two leaders held bilateral talks aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, labour, and regional affairs. The Bangladeshi prime minister also met Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim and exchanged views on strengthening relations between the two countries.

In addition to official engagements, Rahman met members of the Bangladeshi expatriate community in Malaysia and held separate discussions with executives of five leading Malaysian companies, encouraging greater investment in Bangladesh across key sectors.

Following his engagements in Kuala Lumpur, the prime minister travelled directly to China on June 22 for a four-day official visit marked by extensive diplomatic and economic activities.

The highlight of the China visit was Rahman’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. The two leaders discussed a broad range of issues, including trade, infrastructure development, connectivity, investment, and areas of mutual strategic interest. The discussions reflected the growing importance of Bangladesh-China relations and both sides expressed interest in expanding practical cooperation.

During the visit, Prime Minister Rahman also met Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, to discuss parliamentary exchanges and broader bilateral cooperation.

One of the most significant outcomes of the China visit was the signing of 17 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering multiple sectors, highlighting efforts to deepen economic collaboration and encourage Chinese investment in Bangladesh. The agreements are expected to support future cooperation in infrastructure, trade, technology, and development projects.

As part of the official itinerary, the prime minister paid tribute to Chinese revolutionary heroes by laying a wreath at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square. He later visited the Museum of the Communist Party of China (CPC), concluding his official engagements in Beijing.

The successful completion of Rahman’s first foreign tour as prime minister underscores the government’s emphasis on strengthening international partnerships, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing Bangladesh’s economic and diplomatic engagement with key Asian partners. Officials expect the agreements and discussions held during the visits to Malaysia and China to contribute to closer bilateral relations and create new opportunities for trade, investment, and long-term development.