CA seeks Malaysian support for BD to become ASEAN dialogue partner

Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus Friday sought Malaysia's support for Bangladesh to become a sectoral dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), besides cooperation in trade and manpower employment.

"We congratulate Malaysia's upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. We discussed the issue of Bangladesh's inclusion as a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN. We look forward to Malaysia's active role for Bangladesh's inclusion in the regional forum," he said at a joint press briefing with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after a bilateral meeting at Hotel InterContinental.

Appreciating the existing friendly relations between the two countries, Prof Yunus noted that Malaysia is a long-time friend of Bangladesh.

He billed Anwar Ibrahim's tour as important as it is the first visit of the prime minister of any country to Bangladesh after the interim government assumed office two months back. This visit acknowledges Malaysia's support to the interim government, he added.

About the bilateral talks between the two leaders, he said both of them committed to revitalizung longstanding bilateral issues of interaction.

The chief adviser said the talks focused on the unprecedented mass movement, a "second revolution" of Bangladesh.

Noting that the students scarified their lives for their freedom and building a discrimination-free new Bangladesh, he said the interim government is committed to building an inclusive and just Bangladesh.

"To fulfill the aspirations of the mass people, we appreciate the unwavering support and cooperation of our brotherly country, Malaysia," he added.

Mentioning that bilateral relations flourish on shared values, trust and appreciation of people's interest, Prof Yunus said they discussed the areas of cooperation, trade and investment, and culture during their talks.

He said they also discussed the safe repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingya from Bangladesh to Myanmar.

The head of interim government said he requested the Malaysian Prime Minister to pursue the Rohingya issue at ASEAN forum to resolve the long-pending issue.

"We acknowledge the regular bilateral meeting at the foreign adviser and foreign secretary levels," he said.

Mentioning the fourth joint commission meeting to be held in Dhaka, he stressed the need for signing a free-trade agreement between the two counties.

They also discussed exploring the possibility of cooperation in agriculture, energy, connectivity, blue economy, science, innovation and defence and also increasing the number of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia.

"We express our firm commitment and determination to work closely to elevate our bilateral relations to a new height," Prof Yunus said.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim assured that his government would give immediate attention to the fresh entry of 18,000 Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia in the first phase.

"We have discussed the whole system. And we have gone through very transparent procedure. We need workers but they can't be treated as modern slaves, no matter if they are from Bangladesh or any other country," he said.

The visiting Malaysian Prime Minister said this while responding to a question at the joint press appearance.

Anwar Ibrahim, however, reminded Bangladesh to remain careful about criminal activities of anyone- either Malaysians or foreigners in Malaysia.

Prof Yunus expressed his gratitude to the Malaysian premier on behalf of the people of Bangladesh for making this announcement on the labour issue.

Earlier, Dr Yunus and the Malaysian Prime Minister had a brief one-on-one meeting at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport before their bilateral talks at Hotel InterContinental.

Prof Yunus said he was 'very happy' to welcome his old friend in Dhaka as they have acquaintance with each other for over four decades.

During the talks, the Chief Adviser said he spoke briefly on the student-led revolution, the sacrifice of the students and people made in the movement, and the carnage committed by the ousted government.

The chief adviser also spoke about his long association with Malaysian universities and its leaders.

They boarded the same car to travel to the bilateral venue in an expression of their close friendship.

During the bilateral meeting, they discussed three core areas- political issues, trade and investment.

The issues of mutual interest, including economic, political, trade and investment, education, technology and human-resource development, manpower export, higher-education cooperation, communications, infrastructure development, and defence cooperation were also highlighted.

The Malaysian Prime Minister laid emphasis on 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' and addressing the issues of Malaysian companies in Bangladesh and vice-versa at a faster pace.

Anwar Ibrahim said they do not compromise on corruption, governance and issues of economic fundamentals.

He also said the joint commission meeting can be held as soon as possible.

The Malaysian prime minister, leading a 58-member delegation, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 2pm.

Prof Yunus received the Malaysian prime minister in the airport to take the relations between the two countries to new highs.

After almost a decade, a Malaysian prime minister visited Bangladesh, and this official visit was the first by head of any government to Bangladesh since the formation of the interim government led by Dr Yunus on August 8.

Anwar Ibrahim directly drove to Hotel InterContinental from the airport where he spent a couple of hours.

Prof Yunus also hosted high tea in honour of the Malaysian prime minister.

Later, the Malaysian premier met President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban and signed the visitor's book there.

The Malaysian prime minister left Dhaka at 7 pm wrapping up his brief visit to Bangladesh.

(Inputs taken from agencies)