State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said creating employment opportunities for youth and women remains a key priority for the government, highlighting Bangladesh’s focus on sending skilled manpower to Malaysia.
She made the remarks when Malaysia High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman paid a courtesy call on her at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, according to a press release.
The Malaysian envoy congratulated the state minister on assuming office and conveyed greetings from the Malaysian government to the newly elected administration led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
He expressed hope that bilateral relations would strengthen under the new leadership and said Malaysia plans to invite the Bangladesh prime minister to visit Kuala Lumpur to deepen cooperation.
Shama Obaed Islam recalled the role of former prime minister Khaleda Zia in strengthening ties between the two countries and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to expanding cooperation based on transparency, accountability and good governance.
Both sides identified priority sectors for cooperation including trade diversification, agriculture, sports collaboration, energy trade and supply chain partnerships, alongside expanding exports of Bangladeshi ready-made garments.
The state minister stressed the need for effective implementation of memoranda of understanding signed during the recent high-level visit of the former chief adviser to Malaysia.
They also discussed cooperation in emerging sectors such as the semiconductor industry, halal sector development and agro-based industries.
The Malaysian envoy highlighted opportunities for technology transfer and industrial collaboration, saying Malaysian automobile companies could explore assembling vehicles in Bangladesh while providing training for Bangladeshi professionals.
Both sides discussed the possibility of establishing a Joint Business Council to strengthen economic engagement.
Highlighting labour cooperation, Shama Obaed Islam appreciated Malaysia’s decision to facilitate multiple-entry visas for Bangladeshi nationals and stressed the importance of vocational training and human resource development to prepare youth for overseas employment.
She noted that more than 10,000 Bangladeshi students are studying in Malaysia and Bangladeshi academics are also contributing to Malaysian universities.
The state minister also urged greater Malaysian imports from Bangladesh, including pharmaceuticals, ceramics, jute products and ready-made garments.
She proposed establishing a joint cultural centre in Malaysia to promote Bangladeshi culture, cuisine and language.
The Malaysian envoy pointed to Malaysian investments in Bangladesh including Robi and Edotco, which he said are contributing to the country’s economic development.
During the meeting, the state minister sought Malaysia’s support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and requested continued support in addressing the Rohingya crisis, including safe and sustainable repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Both sides expressed optimism about the future of Bangladesh–Malaysia relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation through practical initiatives.
