🇧🇩 Evolving partnership between Bangladesh and Malaysia

[Saif]

Malaysia PM may visit Bangladesh in a couple of months

File photo

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim may visit Bangladesh soon at the invitation of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.

"The Malaysian prime minister expressed his willingness to visit Bangladesh during the phone call. We may see him coming to Dhaka in a month or two," a foreign ministry official told this correspondent.

"Prof Yunus has invited me to undertake a short visit to Bangladesh as soon as possible to further strengthen the brotherly relationship between the two countries," Anwar Ibrahim posted on X following the phone call on Tuesday evening.

He also congratulated his "old friend" Prof Yunus on his appointment as the chief advisor to the interim government of Bangladesh.

"Prof Yunus has long-standing good ties with Malaysia. Thus, I assured him that Malaysia stands ready to help and support the interim government in rebuilding and restoring peace and security in Bangladesh," Ibrahim added.

He also said Prof Yunus has given him assurances that he will protect the rights of all Bangladeshis including minorities.

Bangladesh and Malaysia have a bilateral trade of $2.7 billion. Of the amount, Bangladesh exports goods worth some $370 million to Malaysia.

Also, about eight lakh Bangladeshis are working in Malaysia.

During the phone call, Prof Yunus also hoped that more Bangladeshis would get scope to work in the Southeast Asian country.​

 

[Saif]

Malaysian PM set to visit Bangladesh on Friday

Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to pay a state visit to Bangladesh on Friday (Oct 4), Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain told media in Dhaka on Tuesday. It would be the first high-level visit by a head of government of any foreign country since the inte

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Malaysian PM set to visit Bangladesh on Friday
BSS
Published :
Oct 01, 2024 20:04
Updated :
Oct 01, 2024 20:35

Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to pay a state visit to Bangladesh on Friday (Oct 4), Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain told media in Dhaka on Tuesday.

It would be the first high-level visit by a head of government of any foreign country since the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus assumed office after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5.

Brieffing newsmen at the foreign ministry here this afternoon, the adviser said the Malaysian PM will be accompanied by a 58-member delegation consisting of members of his cabinet, deputy ministers, members of parliament, senior government officials and high-ranking representatives.

During the visit, the Malaysian premier will hold a one-to-one meeting with the Chief Adviser and also call on President Mohammed Shahbuddin during his one-day stay in Dhaka, Touhid said.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was the first head of government to congratulate the interim government following its assumption of office, he mentioned.

The visit, he said, was swiftly arranged in response to the Malaysian premier’s eagerness to meet with Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

When asked Touhid said a wide range of issues relating to mutual interests including economic cooperation, political relations, trade and investment, labour migration, education, technology, infrastructure development and defence collaboration will dominate the discussion of the two heads of the governments during the meeting.

He said Bangladesh is expected to seek Malaysia’s support in addressing the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis, as well as advance its aspirations to become a “Sectoral Dialogue Partner” within the ASEAN framework.

“We will discuss all issues and expect Malaysia, as an ASEAN member, to play an active role in resolving the Rohingya crisis,” Hossain added.

Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 will also be a prominent topic during the discussions, with hopes for greater regional cooperation on key issues, he added.

The visit is expected to further strengthen the partnership between Bangladesh and Malaysia, enhancing collaboration across multiple sectors and deepening diplomatic and economic ties.

Upon his arrival in Dhaka, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will be welcomed with full state honour, reflecting the close and longstanding ties between the two nations.​

 

[Saif]

Anwar Ibrahim to consider issue of Bangladeshi workers

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today promised to consider the issue of 18,000 Bangladeshi workers who missed a deadline to enter Malaysia saying that they need workers, but not "modern slaves"

www.thedailystar.net

Anwar Ibrahim to consider issue of Bangladeshi workers

Photo: Chief Adviser's Press Wing

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today promised to consider the issue of 18,000 Bangladeshi workers who missed a deadline to enter Malaysia saying that they need workers, but not "modern slaves."

He made the announcement at a joint press conference with the interim government's Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at a hotel in the capital during his brief visit to Dhaka today.

Both the heads of state discussed exploring the possibilities of signing new agreements and MOUs on agriculture, energy, education, halal economy, semi-conductor, blue economy, science innovation, defence and youth development sectors.

"We also discussed the possibility of sending more workers and professionals from Bangladesh [to Malaysia] in multiple entry visas for them", said Prof Yunus.

Anwar, who led a 58-member delegation, arrived in Dhaka around 2:00pm. After holding one one-on-one meeting with Yunus at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, he attended bilateral talks at a hotel. He left Dhaka after holding a meeting with President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban in the evening.

During the press conference, Anwar said that he would certainly consider the issue of 18000 Bangladeshi workers who missed a deadline to enter Malaysia as soon as possible in the first phase, given that all conditions for entry to that country are met.

These Bangladeshi migrant workers could not reach Malaysia before May 31, when the deadline for workers to enter the Southeast Asian country ended.

Replying to a query on dismantling syndicates that manipulate migrant workers, Anwar said they discussed the whole migration system.

"Any differences between contending companies are not my concern. Our concern is to make sure whatever is decided must be followed through. We need workers. But they cannot be treated as modern slaves regardless of their identities. It doesn't matter if they are from Bangladesh or India or Indonesia or any other country.

"I publicly said about this in the past", he added.

He said that so-called agencies should adhere to policies strictly or they would face the music.

The Malaysian PM, however, urged all not to defend criminal activities by anyone whether they are Malaysians or foreigners in Malaysia.​

 

[Saif]

Amending MoU on Malaysia-bound Bangladeshi workers can bring a sea change

Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia should be able to enjoy the fruits of their hard labour.

www.thedailystar.net

Amending MoU on Malaysia-bound Bangladeshi workers can bring a sea change

VISUAL: SALMAN SAKIB SHAHRYAR

The Malaysian prime minister is due to arrive in Dhaka today on an official visit. This is significant for two reasons: this is the first visit by a Malaysian premier to Bangladesh in nearly 11 years, and it will also be the first visit of a head of government during the tenure of the interim administration.

The foreign ministry informs that, among other issues of mutual interest, the bilateral discussions will focus on economic, political, trade and investment, and labour migration. The source emphasises that both countries want facilitation of labour migration through a transparent method.

Bangladeshi workers, particularly those in the low-skilled category, are making major contributions in the construction, manufacturing, plantation and services sectors in Malaysia. Through their hard work, they have earned the confidence of their employers in Malaysia who are keen to recruit more from Bangladesh. The Malaysian market, however, remains closed since May 31 this year.

The less fortunate segment of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia, many of whom migrated after the so-called syndicate arrangement, have to pay inordinately high migration costs. These workers are charged far above the government-set cost of around Tk 79,000 (about 2,940 ringgit), with the average cost being Tk 5.44 lakh (about 20,300 ringgit) to secure employment in Malaysia. This steep increase in the cost of migration from Bangladesh is directly linked to the destination country enjoying the prerogative of fixing the number of recruiting agencies in the source country that were allowed to send workers. After the flow of workers to Malaysia resumed in July 2022, only 25 of the 1,520 registered recruiting agencies in Bangladesh were granted the permission. Subsequently the number was increased to 100. As no criterion was set for the selection of recruiting agencies, many with fresh licence (allegedly granted under political and other considerations) became beneficiaries of this arrangement.

The new prime minister's resolve to overhaul the country's migrant worker recruitment system, particularly pertaining to a lucrative source country like Bangladesh, has come under strong resistance from industry high-ups, public functionaries, and a section of Malaysian political elite. Attempts to replace Bestinet's hold over the proprietary IT system have thus far been successfully thwarted.

After the fall of the Awami League government in August this year, Bangladesh's anti-graft agency began an investigation into the alleged syndicate led by several former parliamentarians of the erstwhile ruling party. They were accused of embezzling Tk 24,000 crore (8.9 billion ringgit) under the pretext of sending workers to Malaysia. Allegations are rife that the syndicate is led by a Dato of Bangladeshi origin in Malaysia and operated with the support of senior officials in both Bangladesh and Malaysian governments. A Verité-led consortium study reveals 96 percent of Bangladeshi workers going to Malaysia face high recruitment debt and exploitation.

The syndicate system has been a contentious issue in Malaysian politics. In June 2022, the then opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim demanded a full investigation of two companies, including Bestinet, following allegations of their involvement in a visa scheme and supplying of foreign workers. He raised doubts about the government's ability to manage misappropriation and malpractice. He referred to it "as modern slavery, where workers are blackmailed while traders and agencies act as oppressors who reap huge profits." In April 2023, Democratic Action Party leader Charles Santiago called on the government for "dismantling Bestinet and eliminating labour brokers." He demanded an "open and transparent recruitment process in both countries." After Anwar Ibrahim's assumption of power following the November 2022 general election, the human resource ministry came under scrutiny and five officials were sacked.

The new prime minister's resolve to overhaul the country's migrant worker recruitment system, particularly pertaining to a lucrative source country like Bangladesh, has come under strong resistance from industry high-ups, public functionaries, and a section of Malaysian political elite. Attempts to replace Bestinet's hold over the proprietary IT system have thus far been successfully thwarted.

Both Bangladesh and Malaysia should strive to find ways to dismantle the syndicate arrangement. A possible way out lies in the amendment of a section of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on employment of workers signed by the countries. Section C (v) of the MoU sanctions that "the Government of Malaysia shall select BRAs (Bangladesh Recruiting Agencies) … from the list provided by the Government of Bangladesh." Machinations of vested quarters with access to corridors of power both in Putrajaya and Dhaka led to insertion of such a provision in the MoU. It is only in Bangladesh's case that such a provision has been incorporated. None of the 14 other source countries has to endure such stipulation.

By amending this provision, if the responsibility of selecting the BRAs are shifted from the Malaysian government to the Malaysian employers (as is the case with the other source countries), the latter would be at liberty to choose their supplier companies, while all BRAs will enjoy fair competition to access the Malaysian labour market. Such an arrangement will generate fair competition, significantly lower the cost of migration, and create a situation in which Bangladeshi migrant workers will be able to enjoy the fruits of their hard labour.

We take this opportunity to urge the chief adviser to raise the issue of amending one word in the MoU that will bring a sea change for our migrant workers.

Dr C R Abrar is an academic with interest in human rights. He is the executive director of the Refugee and Migratory Movement Research Unit (RMMRU).​

 

[Krishna with Flute]

In BD Malysa relations, religion can be a key. There is a little to exploit on Economic, Defense or Science and technology front.

 

[Saif]

Welcome Anwar Ibrahim's visit

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's brief visit to Bangladesh on Friday will be regarded as a milestone in relations between the two brotherly nations. His visit marks the first official visit by a head of government since the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus h

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Welcome Anwar Ibrahim's visit
Published :
Oct 06, 2024 21:50
Updated :
Oct 06, 2024 21:50

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's brief visit to Bangladesh on Friday will be regarded as a milestone in relations between the two brotherly nations. His visit marks the first official visit by a head of government since the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus has assumed office following the student-people uprising. The Malaysian PM happens to be a longstanding personal friend of Dr Yunus. Furthermore, his visit comes at a crucial juncture for Bangladesh, as the country is on a way to embrace significant reforms in various state affairs and seeks to reinvent itself as a newly reformed nation on the world stage. Ibrahim's reference to the Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus as his 'great friend,' along with his expression of support for the government's reform measures and extension of economic co-operation, has certainly come as a big morale boost for the government.

The bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia are currently on a positive trajectory, but there is ample room for improvement and no doubt Anwar Ibrahim's visit will significantly help achieve that goal. One key areas of co-operation will be the resumption of Bangladesh's manpower export to Malaysia, which has been suspended since May 31 this year. Malaysia imposed a blanket ban on the arrival of new foreign workers, partly in response to allegations of exploitation of migrant workers, especially those from Bangladesh. The closure of the labour market had triggered chaos at airports as thousands of Bangladeshis rushed to reach Malaysia before the deadline. Despite the frantic efforts, as many as 18,000 Bangladeshi workers were unable to fly in time, either due to purchasing counterfeit plane tickets or being duped by agents. These aspiring workers spent between Tk 0.5 and 0.7 million each for entry into the Malaysian labour market, but they neither made it to Malaysia nor received their money back. When the chief adviser brought the plight of these aspiring workers to the attention of the Malaysian prime minister, he promised to consider the entry of these hapless workers into the Malaysian job market.

Moreover, there is great hope in Bangladesh that Malaysia will lift the ban on the entry of Bangladeshi workers. However, the authorities in both countries must review and change the entire recruitment process, which has long been plagued by irregularities, corruption, and exploitation. Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul stated last Saturday that the government has taken steps to reopen the Malaysian labour market by dismantling the syndicate of 100 recruiting agencies and creating equal opportunities for all Bangladeshi recruiting agencies involved with sending workers to Malaysia. There should be a clear agreement with agreed common standards for fair recruitment practices, fees, and oversight mechanisms. Additionally, there is an urgent need for both Malaysian and Bangladeshi authorities to strictly regulate recruitment agencies in order to prevent fraud, manipulation, and ensure the wellbeing of workers.

Moreover, Anwar Ibrahim's visit will provide an opportunity for both countries to reaffirm their strong commitment to revitalising bilateral relations, with discussions focusing on potential collaborations in key sectors. Notably, Bangladesh and Malaysia have agreed to advance discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signalling a shared vision for deeper economic ties. Furthermore, Malaysia has expressed its support for Bangladesh's bid to become a sectoral dialogue partner of the ASEAN. These initiatives collectively underscore the growing importance of the bilateral relationship between the two friendly nations and the mutual benefits it promises to bring.​

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Pakistan also has this syndrome of Partnership with Brother Islamic nations. When IK was PM, he had planned a Islamic news channel in collaboration with Malysia and Turkey. It did not materialize. Now, BD and Malysia can try this one to have a common news channel.

 

[Saif]

Pakistan also has this syndrome of Partnership with Brother Islamic nations. When IK was PM, he had planned a Islamic news channel in collaboration with Malysia and Turkey. It did not materialize. Now, BD and Malysia can try this one to have a common news channel.

We don't need a news channel from Malaysia. We need semiconductor technology from them and of course manpower export.

 

[Bilal9]

 

[Bilal9]

PM Anwar’s regional diplomacy boosts Malaysia’s key diplomatic, trade relationships with Pakistan, Bangladesh

NEW DELHI, Oct 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visits to Pakistan and Bangladesh this week have added new dynamism to the vital relationships that boost...

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