Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, on his first official foreign tour since assuming office, declared on Monday that Bangladesh seeks closer engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and aspires to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner. The announcement was made during a joint press conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya.
Key Announcements at the Joint Press Conference
“Bangladesh seeks closer engagement with ASEAN and aspires to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner. We are also interested in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). I appreciate Malaysia's support for Bangladesh's regional integration efforts,” Rahman said.
ASEAN currently maintains Sectoral Dialogue Partnerships with nine countries. These partnerships focus on cooperation in specific, agreed-upon areas such as trade, energy, and education, rather than across all sectors. The RCEP is the world's largest free trade bloc, connecting the 11 member states of ASEAN with major Asia-Pacific economies.
Bilateral Talks and Areas of Cooperation
Rahman held a one-on-one meeting with Anwar Ibrahim, followed by delegation-level bilateral talks. Discussions covered ICT, energy, infrastructure, manpower, halal industry, agro-processing, education, skills development, defence, digital economy, semiconductors, and other high-value sectors. The two prime ministers also discussed regional and international issues.
“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening Bangladesh-Malaysia relations. We agree to enhance engagement through existing mechanisms, including the Joint Commission Meeting and bilateral consultations between our Foreign Ministries. We also welcome the growth of bilateral trade and agree to move forward with negotiations on the Bangladesh-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement,” Rahman said.
Economic Priorities and Investment Invitation
“We have restored political stability through a democratic process. Our priority is to create jobs, attract foreign investment, and accelerate economic growth. We are building a business-friendly environment and creating new opportunities for investors. I see strong potential for Malaysian investment in Bangladesh and warmly invite Malaysian businesses to explore these opportunities,” Rahman said.
He also addressed the role of Bangladeshi diaspora: “Bangladeshi workers, students, professionals, and entrepreneurs in Malaysia serve as an important bridge between our two countries. Their contributions benefit both our economies and societies. I requested His Excellency Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to consider recruiting more Bangladeshi workers, as well as to open the labour market as soon as possible.”
Rahman further noted that he raised issues related to the regularisation of irregular workers and the repatriation of detained Bangladeshis, if possible. “We agree that recruitment should be transparent, fair, and affordable, reducing intermediaries and lowering costs for workers,” he added.
Rohingya Crisis and Regional Concerns
“I express deep concern for the Rohingya people sheltered in Bangladesh and thank Malaysia for its continued support for their safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar,” Rahman said.
Memoranda and Trade Figures
Both leaders witnessed the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cultural Cooperation, as well as two Exchanges of Notes (EoN) in the fields of Counter-Terrorism Research and Investment Promotion and Facilitation, as reported by Bernama.
According to Bernama, total trade between Malaysia and Bangladesh in 2025 was USD 2.84 billion. Malaysia's exports to Bangladesh were valued at USD 2.35 billion, with petroleum products as the principal export. Imports from Bangladesh amounted to USD 500 million, primarily textiles, apparel, and footwear. Bangladesh is Malaysia's 28th largest trading partner globally, with total trade amounting to RM12.18 billion, and its second-largest trading partner in South Asia after India.
Rahman’s Visit and Next Steps
Rahman arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday night at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for a two-day official visit. He is next scheduled to visit China. Rahman assumed office in February this year after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) received a strong mandate in the parliamentary elections.
