Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has touched down in Bangladesh’s capital city on Friday for discussions with interim leader Muhammad Yunus. Yunus assumed office in August following the former prime minister’s departure amidst a mass uprising.
During Anwar’s visit, talks will revolve around trade and investment, migrant workers, and addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis. The meeting is significant as it marks the first visit by a foreign leader to Bangladesh since Yunus assumed office and the first state visit by a Malaysian leader to Bangladesh in over a decade.
Welcomed by gun salutes and a red carpet reception at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Anwar is accompanied by a delegation of 58 members. As Malaysia is set to chair the Association for Southeast Asian Nations next year, Bangladesh aims to bolster its trade relations with the region.
Of particular interest is Bangladesh’s efforts to engage ASEAN in finding solutions to the Rohingya refugee crisis, with over a million Rohingya refugees residing in Bangladeshi camps. In 2023, Bangladesh stood as Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner in South Asia, with trade volume hitting $2.78 billion.
Moreover, Malaysia serves as a prominent destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers, with approximately 800,000 employed across various sectors. However, concerns persist over corrupt recruitment practices and alleged rights violations. Notably, more than 6,000 Bangladeshi students pursue higher education in Malaysia as of 2023.
The discussions between Anwar and Yunus hold promise for strengthening ties between the two nations and addressing critical issues such as trade relations, migrant worker welfare, and the Rohingya refugee situation.