Malaysia has always been a trusted friend of Bangladesh, helping it develop human resources and advancing technology. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus paid an official visit - August 11-13 - to Malaysia at the invitation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim this week. The visit was to reciprocate the official visit by the Malaysian Prime Minister to Bangladesh in October 2024.

The visit included a formal welcome and bilateral discussions in Putrajaya on August 12, where both leaders reviewed progress in trade, investment, labor, energy, defense, education, and regional cooperation while witnessing the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding and exchanging three notes. Prof Yunus returned home from Malaysia on Wednesday night, wrapping up his three-day official visit, stressing that the two countries together can build a future which is prosperous, innovative, resilient and inclusive.

Bangladesh says it is stepping into a new era and seeks to deepen cooperation with Malaysia, exploring emerging opportunities in sectors such as the semiconductor industry, the halal economy, renewable energy and entrepreneurship. The Chief Adviser and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the signing of the MoUs and exchange of notes in Malaysia's administrative capital Putrajaya on Tuesday.

The first note was exchanged on cooperation in the field of higher education. Malaysian Foreign Minister Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan and Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain exchanged the notes on behalf of their respective sides.

The second note was exchanged on training for diplomats. It was exchanged by Malaysian Foreign Minister Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan and Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain. The third note is on cooperation in the field of halal ecosystem. Deputy Minister in Malaysian Prime Minister's Department Senator Dr. Zulkifli bin Hasan and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud bin Harun exchanged the note.

The first MoU between the government of Malaysia and the government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh was signed on defence cooperation. Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin and Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain signed the MoU. The second MoU between the government of Malaysia and the government of Bangladesh is about cooperation in the Field of Cooperation in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Supply, LNG Infrastructure, Petroleum Products and their Infrastructure. Malaysian acting economic ministers Amir Hamzah bin Azizan and Bangladesh's energy adviser M Fouzul Kabir Khan signed the MoU.

The third MoU is for cooperation between the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies. Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia Chairman Datuk Professor Dr Mohd FaizAbdullah and Bangladesh High Commissioner in Malaysia Md. Shameem Ahsan signed the MoU. The fourth MoU is on collaboration between MIMOS Services Sdn Bhd and the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI). MIMOS Services Sdn. Bhd. (MSSB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohamad Fauzi Yahaya and BMCCI President Shabbir A Khan signed the MoU. The fifth MoU was signed between the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). NCCIM president N Gobalakrishnan and FBCCI administrator Md. Hafizur Rahman signed the MoU.

Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Administrator Md Hafizur Rahman and Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) President Shabbir A Khan accompanied the CA on this trip, apart from his usual entourage.

Door Kept Open for Bangladeshi Workers

Expressing the hope to boost financial and investment ties between Bangladesh and Malaysia, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday urged Malaysia to keep its door open for Bangladeshi workers. In response, during a joint press meet after the official talks and signing of five MoUs and exchanging three notes, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said they consider Bangladesh an important partner as its workers are playing a key role in working together and contributing to the development of the two nations.

"We want to thank Malaysia for hosting so many of our people and we hope this door will remain open and become wider so that we can host many other young people to come and work in Malaysia and learn a lot," Prof Yunus said. He said Bangladeshi workers who come to Malaysia learn many things and when they go back home start their own businesses and launch their own economic activities.

The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh and Malaysia are getting closer and closer for many other reasons, particularly because many Bangladeshi workers are working here. He said the workers send their income back to Bangladesh, which provides sustainability for their lives and their families, helping them send their children to school and get a good education. Prof Yunus said Bangladesh is open for business and there is tremendous opportunity for Malaysian entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh. "We are looking for investment from Malaysia and that's what we've been discussing. We have our own human resources that we can offer and also technology that we can offer in Bangladesh," he said. Prof Yunus also said Malaysia can invest in Bangladesh and manufacture products to sell to the rest of the world.

"So, this is one we're hoping will get a close relationship in financial and investment issues in Bangladesh. Widening up our opportunities so that we build an economy which will be sustainable and which will be a high-growth economy. We are waiting for that," he said. Prof Yunus said his interim government restored order and the economy in Bangladesh. "We restored institutions to function within just about a year. So, now we are ready for elections." He said his government will hold the national election in the middle of February next year to elect a new government and ensure normal running of the country. "So, there we need lots of support and we are looking forward to Malaysia's support always -- we bank on them."

Earlier, speaking at the press conference, Anwar Ibrahim praised Prof Yunus for making remarkable progress in ensuring peace and security in the country. "He (Yunus) is now continuing the collaboration to enhance relations in investment, trade, culture and education with Malaysia," he said. "We have placed Bangladesh as an important partner because your workers have been instrumental too in working together and contributing to your development," said Anwar Ibrahim. He said they have continued energy cooperation with PETRONAS, and with Axiata in the telecommunications sector. "Now, we want to strengthen this into Halal, STEM, research and semiconductors."

The Malaysian Prime Minister said their Home Affairs Minister along with the Human Resources Minister have agreed on a Multiple Entry Visa facility, mainly to assist workers so they can meet their families and feel secure in their jobs. "You (CA) have made some proposals and were given priority, particularly to assist the stranded workers," he said. Anwar recalled that his delegation stopped over in Dhaka in October last year to show his country's commitment to ensure that Bangladesh, a great country with enormous potential and a great friend of Malaysia, can secure peace and promote progress and development for their people. Anwar said Prof Yunus is known in Malaysia for his indefatigable work to secure a place for the underprivileged and the poor, including microcredit and also education at the Albukhary International University in Kedah.

Expats' Role

Prof Yunus acknowledged the significant contributions of Bangladeshi expatriates in boosting the national economy through remittances, thanking them for helping the country recover strongly. Speaking at an interaction with members of the Bangladesh community in Malaysia on Tuesday evening, he highlighted the interim government's efforts to enhance services for expatriates. He listened to their concerns and assured them that the issues raised would be addressed. Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain also spoke at the event. Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Shameem Ahsan conducted the session.

Prof Yunus also discussed opportunities for expatriates to participate in the upcoming election, hinting at a "new experience" for them in the voting process. Prof Yunus on Wednesday was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Social Business by the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) during his visit. He attended its special Convocation, demonstrating close friendship between Prof Yunus and the UKM.

Vow to Strengthen Democracy

Prof Yunus reaffirmed his government's commitment to strengthening democracy and returning power to its rightful owner - the people, emphasising that the government remains focused on ensuring peace and stability. "We are also working hard to hold a free, fair and transparent election in February 2026-so that power is handed over to the true representatives of people," he said, while delivering a speech at the special Convocation of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. He said they are committed to strengthening democracy and building a stronger and resilient Bangladesh. "Today, we are working to build a new Bangladesh where governance is just, the economy includes everyone, and each person has a fair chance to be successful. Our government is focused on ensuring peace and stability," Prof Yunus said.

Prof Yunus said they have a clear goal, a detailed plan and strong determination to move forward. "To build a stronger and resilient Bangladesh, we need big changes in our economy," he said. This includes supporting entrepreneurs, investing more in education and technology, and working closely with our international and regional partners, said the Chief Adviser. The Chief Adviser said the two countries have always shared strong ties-built on mutual respect, cultural exchange, and a shared dream of progress. Bangladesh and Malaysia have walked together in many ways, he said.

"We have supported each other in our journeys toward growth and prosperity. Malaysia has been a trusted friend, helping us in developing our human resources and advancing technology," Prof Yunus added. Over the years, he said, the partnership has grown across many areas-trade, education, innovation, and people-to-people connections. "This shows how much we can achieve when we work together with a common purpose."

As Bangladesh steps into a new era, Prof Yunus said they want to deepen the cooperation with Malaysia. "There are so many new areas to explore like the semiconductor industry, halal economy, renewable energy and entrepreneurship," he said. Prof Yunus said Bangladesh and Malaysia have walked together in many ways. "Together, we can build a future that is prosperous, innovative, resilient, and inclusive." In a world facing challenges like climate change, rising inequality, and fast-changing technology, it is more important than ever for countries to stand together, learn from each other and grow together, said the Chief Adviser.

"I truly believe that with stronger collaboration in education, research, and trade and investment, Bangladesh and Malaysia can become a model for sustainable development and social progress," Prof Yunus said. The youth-led uprising in July and August 2024 has given a new meaning to the national identity and hopes for the future of Bangladesh.

"Today, we are working to build a new Bangladesh-where governance is just, the economy includes everyone, and each person has a fair chance to be successful. Our government is focused on ensuring peace and stability," Prof Yunus said.

Securing Peace in Myanmar

Prof Yunus sought Malaysia's help to resolve the Rohingya issue, describing it as a major problem for Bangladesh. During a joint press meet after official talks, the Malaysian Prime Minister also expressed his country's concern over the burden Bangladesh faces in hosting a large number of forcibly displaced Rohingyas. In 2017, an influx of approximately 750,000 Rohingyas displaced from Myanmar by a ruthless military crackdown in Rakhine State, crossed the border into Bangladesh. Together with the existing Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh, they now total well over a million.

"You (Anwar) have just mentioned Rohingya. This is a big problem for us. We are seeking help from Malaysia, particularly as chair of the ASEAN countries. So, we need all the help we can get from our good friend Malaysia," Prof Yunus said. Earlier in his speech, the Malaysian Prime Minister said, "On the regional issues, of course, we are concerned with the burden placed on Bangladesh on having to cater for enormous numbers of Rohingya refugees." He said securing peace in Myanmar is a great priority for his country, along with providing immediate humanitarian assistance to the suffering refugees and victims of earthquakes.

The Malaysian Prime Minister praised the Bangladeshi authorities for taking the initiative in multilateral forums in New York, Kolkata, and Malaysia, while the Malaysian Foreign Minister will coordinate a team with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand to visit Myanmar in the next few weeks to ensure peace is attained and that the atrocities against some ethnic minorities and the people of Myanmar can be amicably resolved. "So, thank you again, my dear friend, on behalf of my family and the people of Malaysia for your role and your contribution. And we wish you well," Anwar said, and the warmth between the two leaders was visible throughout.