Voicing optimism for improved financial and investment ties between Bangladesh and Malaysia, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has urged Malaysia to hire more Bangladeshi workers.
He made the call during a joint press briefing with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
In response to Yunus, Ibrahim said Malaysia consider Bangladesh an important partner, as its workers are playing a key role in contributing to the development of both nations. Earlier in the day, they signed five MoUs and exchanged three notes.
At the press conference, Prof Yunus said, “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.
“Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia acquire valuable skills and, upon returning home, start their own businesses and launch economic activities. So, we are very grateful to Malaysia for doing that.”
The chief adviser added, “Bangladesh and Malaysia are drawing closer for many reasons, particularly because of the large number of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia.
“These workers send their earnings back to Bangladesh, which sustains their families, helps send children to school and provides a better education. It is not workers coming from outside – let them work. It is not like that. They are very happy to work here.”
Prof Yunus pointed out that Bangladesh is open for business, so there is tremendous opportunities for Malaysian entrepreneurs to invest.
“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 added.
The chief adviser also welcomed Malaysia to invest in Bangladesh and manufacture products for worldwide exports.
“This is one area where we hope to strengthen financial and investment relations with Malaysia. We aim to build an economy that is sustainable and high-growth. We are waiting for that,” Yunus said.
The chief adviser said, “They reviewed a list of ideas and issues to work on together, both culturally and multilaterally. We want to thank the people of Malaysia for the support they have provided to us in Bangladesh.”
Prof Yunus stated that his interim government had restored order and revived the economy. “We restored institutions to function within just about a year. Now we are ready for elections,” he assured.
Yunus said, “The national election will be held in mid-February next year to elect a new government and ensure the normal running of the country. We are looking forward to Malaysia’s support – we bank on them.”
Earlier, speaking at the press conference, the Malaysian prime minister praised Prof Yunus for making remarkable progress in ensuring peace and security in Bangladesh.
“He is now continuing collaboration to enhance relations in investment, trade, culture and education with Malaysia,” Yunus said.
“We have placed Bangladesh as an important partner because your workers have been instrumental in contributing to your development,” Anwar said.
He said Malaysia has continued energy cooperation with PETRONAS and telecommunications with Axiata, and now seeks to expand into the halal sector, STEM, research and semiconductors.
The Malaysian prime minister said, “Their home affairs minister and 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 have made some proposals and were given priority, particularly to assist the stranded workers,” he said.
Anwar recalled his delegation’s stopover in Dhaka in October last year to show Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring that Bangladesh – a great country with enormous potential – can secure peace and promote progress and development.
Anwar said Prof Yunus is well known in Malaysia for his tireless work for the underprivileged, including his microcredit initiatives and his role in education at Albukhary International University in Kedah.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam are among those accompanying the Chief Adviser.
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Administrator Md Hafizur Rahman and Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Shabbir A Khan were also present.