TrueTone Desk

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on the Malaysian government to reopen its labour market for Bangladeshi workers at the earliest opportunity and increase the recruitment of manpower from Bangladesh, underscoring the importance of labour cooperation between the two countries.

On June 22, speaking at a joint press conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim following summit-level talks in Putrajaya, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said he had requested the Malaysian premier to recruit more Bangladeshi workers and reopen Malaysia’s labour market for Bangladesh as soon as possible.

“I requested His Excellency Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to consider recruiting more Bangladeshi workers, as well as to open the labour market as soon as possible,” he said.

The press conference was held at the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office on the second and final day of Tarique Rahman’s two-day official visit to Malaysia, his first foreign trip since assuming office following Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections in February 2026.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation, the Bangladesh prime minister described Malaysia as a trusted and longstanding partner of Bangladesh.

“Our friendship is built on mutual trust, shared values, and strong people-to-people ties,” he said, noting that discussions covered a broad range of bilateral, regional and international issues.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Bangladesh-Malaysia relations through existing bilateral mechanisms, including Joint Commission Meetings and consultations between their foreign ministries.

Tarique Rahman also welcomed the growth of bilateral trade and announced that both countries had agreed to move forward with negotiations on a proposed Bangladesh-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to further expand economic cooperation and investment opportunities.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

Highlighting the priorities of his government, the prime minister said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) received a strong mandate from voters in the February elections and had since worked to restore political stability through democratic means.

“Our priority is to create jobs, attract foreign investment and accelerate economic growth,” he said. “We are building a business-friendly environment and creating new opportunities for investors.”

He invited Malaysian companies to invest in Bangladesh, citing significant opportunities in sectors such as information and communication technology (ICT), energy, infrastructure, digital economy, semiconductor manufacturing, halal industries, agro-processing, education, skills development and defence cooperation.

Labour issues featured prominently during the bilateral talks. Tarique Rahman said he had raised concerns regarding the regularisation of undocumented Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia and sought the possible repatriation of detained Bangladeshi nationals.

“We agree that recruitment should be transparent, fair and affordable, reducing intermediaries and lowering costs for workers,” he said.

The prime minister emphasized that Bangladeshi workers, students, professionals and entrepreneurs living in Malaysia continue to play a vital role in strengthening relations between the two nations while contributing significantly to both economies.

On regional issues, Tarique Rahman expressed Bangladesh’s deep concern over the ongoing plight of the Rohingya refugees sheltered in the country and thanked Malaysia for its continued support for their safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.

The two leaders also discussed broader regional cooperation. The Bangladesh premier reiterated Dhaka’s interest in enhancing engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and pursuing Sectoral Dialogue Partner status within the regional bloc.

He further expressed Bangladesh’s interest in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), one of the world’s largest free trade arrangements, and thanked Malaysia for supporting Bangladesh’s regional integration efforts.

The discussions additionally touched on global developments, including the situation in the Middle East. Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh and Malaysia remained committed to working closely together at the United Nations and other international forums.

He also expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s support for Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Welcoming the signing and exchange of several bilateral documents during the visit, the Bangladesh prime minister said the agreements would further strengthen cooperation and sustain the positive momentum in bilateral relations.

“I am confident that today’s discussions will open a new chapter in Bangladesh-Malaysia relations,” he said.

Tarique Rahman extended an invitation to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time, saying the people of Bangladesh would be honoured to welcome him.

Reflecting on the historical ties between the two countries, he recalled the visits of his father, former President Ziaur Rahman, to Malaysia in 1979 and his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, in 1993, noting that both visits had played important roles in deepening bilateral friendship and cooperation.

He also revealed that one of the first congratulatory phone calls he received after taking office came from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who invited him to visit Malaysia.

“My wife and I are delighted to be here on my first foreign visit as Prime Minister,” Tarique Rahman said, adding that the visit had further strengthened the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and Malaysia.