[🇧🇩] Evolving partnership between Bangladesh and Malaysia

[Bilal9]

Now we have talked about this countless times - but how does a discussion about Bangladesh-Malaysia bonhomie turn into a pissing session on Bangladesh (again) ? Tell me one reason why this is not off-topic? You can piss on Bangladesh all you want, but please come up with a separate thread. That is all I ask.

 

[Bilal9]

Please share on-topic perspectives only.

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh, Malaysia emphasise enhancing trade and economic relations

Bangladesh and Malaysia on Sunday emphasised enhancing trade and economic relations, acknowledging the potential for growth in bilateral trade. High Commissioner of Malaysia Mohd Shuhada Othman called on the Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi this morning at

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh, Malaysia emphasise enhancing trade and economic relations
UNB
Published :
Dec 30, 2024 00:04
Updated :
Dec 30, 2024 00:04

Bangladesh and Malaysia on Sunday emphasised enhancing trade and economic relations, acknowledging the potential for growth in bilateral trade.

High Commissioner of Malaysia Mohd Shuhada Othman called on the Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi this morning at the Foreign Service Academy (FSA) and discussed issues of mutual cooperation.

Both countries may consider working on new areas of collaboration as identified by both leaders, such as, seamless manpower movements, reduction of manpower processing cost, data science, semiconductor, artificial intelligence, finance, health, agriculture, energy and halal economy, they said.

They also recognized the significance of cooperation in fields of SMEs, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, capacity building, manpower, ICT, and disaster management.

Lutfey Siddiqi congratulated Malaysia on its upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship and appreciated Malaysia's support for Bangladesh's bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.

The Special Envoy expressed his gratitude and satisfaction over the pledges of the Malaysian government to consider allowing the entry of 18,000 (approximate) Bangladeshi workers who were unable to enter Malaysia by 31 May 2024.

He requested for a possible solution on this issue at the earliest.

Both the dignitaries assured to work together to eliminate the corruption caused by recruitment syndicates involving Bangladeshi and Malaysian nationals and loopholes in the system that allow for the mistreatment of workers, causing harm and losses for both nations.

Lutfey Siddiqi conveyed that Malaysia may consider establishing a dedicated country-specific 'Economic Zone' for its investors, akin to those established for China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and India.

This initiative aims to leverage Bangladesh's geo-economic position nestled between China, India, and ASEAN, offering comparative advantages for business growth and regional connectivity.

The Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser assured the Malaysian High Commissioner all possible support in discharging his duties and wished for his success during his tenure in Bangladesh.

They discussed wide-ranging issues on Bangladesh-Malaysia relations which included bilateral, regional and international issues of common interests.

The Special Envoy reiterated that Bangladesh attaches high importance to its relations to Malaysia in cementing their bilateral relations in various areas of cooperation and partnership in the last 53 years.

He recalled with pleasure the official visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Anwar Ibrahim to Bangladesh on 4 October 2024 marking the first visit by a Head of Government to Bangladesh since the interim government took office which has paved the way for a fresh impetus to bilateral collaboration.

Lutfey Siddiqi briefed the Malaysian High Commissioner on the July-August Revolution and the ongoing reform initiatives undertaken by the Interim Government towards a democratic and just Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh seeks roadmap from Malaysia for stranded workers

Malaysian high commissioner discussed the prospect of Malaysian car manufacturing in Bangladesh

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh seeks roadmap from Malaysia for stranded workers

Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain today conveyed to Malaysia that Bangladesh looks forward to the roadmap to be given by the Malaysian government regarding the stranded Bangladeshi workers, who were unable to enter Malaysia by May 31, 2024.

The issue was discussed when newly appointed High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman met the foreign adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The foreign adviser and the high commissioner discussed the issues of mutual interests and possible collaborations, including trade and investment, manpower, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, and renewable energy, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hossain congratulated Malaysia for their upcoming Asean chairmanship in January 2025.

Both discussed the potential investments and partnerships to foster economic engagements between the two brotherly countries.

The high commissioner discussed the prospect of Malaysian car manufacturing in Bangladesh.

The foreign adviser assured the new high commissioner of all possible support during his tenure of duty in Bangladesh and wished him a fruitful stint ahead.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh seeks balanced trade with Malaysia: Commerce Adviser

Bangladesh is keen to enhance bilateral trade relations with Malaysia and ensure balanced trade between the two countries, said Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Monday. He came up with the information during a meeting with Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman at the Sec

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh seeks balanced trade with Malaysia: Commerce Adviser
UNB
Published :
Jan 13, 2025 20:15
Updated :
Jan 13, 2025 20:15

Bangladesh is keen to enhance bilateral trade relations with Malaysia and ensure balanced trade between the two countries, said Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Monday.

He came up with the information during a meeting with Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman at the Secretariat.

The discussion focused on bilateral trade and potential future investments.

Highlighting the significance of free trade agreements (FTAs) in boosting trade and investment, the commerce adviser said that Bangladesh has already initiated talks with South Korea, Japan, and Singapore for FTAs.

He stressed the need for immediate discussions between Malaysia and Bangladesh to expand trade, which would benefit both nations.

Noting that Malaysia’s labour market is vital for Bangladesh, the adviser said, “A significant portion of our foreign reserves comes from remittances sent by Bangladeshi expatriates in Malaysia. We aim to establish a strong presence there through the export of skilled manpower,” he said.

The adviser also urged Malaysian investors to take advantage of Bangladesh’s special economic zones.

He also urged the traders to increase palm oil exports to Bangladesh, particularly during Ramadan when the demand for edible oil surges.

During the meeting, Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman said Malaysia has made substantial investments in the electric chips and semiconductor sectors, which require a large number of skilled professionals, including semiconductor designers.

He expressed Malaysia’s willingness to train and educate Bangladeshi students to create opportunities for them in these industries.

He also pledged to strengthen cooperation in developing skilled human resources.

Mentioning the growing global demand for halal food, Othman said Malaysia’s halal food market is currently valued at 113 billion dollars and it would reach 6 trillion dollars by 2031.

As a Muslim-majority country, Bangladesh should prepare for this lucrative market, he said, adding the Malaysian government will provide full support in halal food production and certification.

In the fiscal year 2023-24, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Malaysia amounted to 2,878.20 million dollars.

Bangladesh imported goods worth 2,583.70 million dollars from Malaysia and exported products worth 294.50 million dollars to the Southeast Asian nation.​

 

[Saif]

Malaysia extends repatriation programme for undocumented Bangladeshis

The Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia has announced an extension of the Migrant Repatriation Programme for undocumented Bangladeshi nationals, allowing them to return home under revised provisions set by the Malaysian government

www.thedailystar.net

Malaysia extends repatriation programme for undocumented Bangladeshis

The Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia has announced an extension of the Migrant Repatriation Programme for undocumented Bangladeshi nationals, allowing them to return home under revised provisions set by the Malaysian government.

For those who registered online with Malaysian immigration to return home by the December 31, 2024 deadline but were unable to do so for various reasons, the repatriation programme has been extended until March 21, 2025, the high commission said in a notification today.

This extension applies to undocumented Bangladeshi migrants, alongside those from other relevant countries.

Previously, undocumented Bangladeshi migrants were required to pay fines to Malaysian immigration authorities based on the length of their stay in the country before availing the opportunity to return home.

Under a decision by the Malaysian government, from March 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, irregular migrants were allowed to return by paying a maximum fine of 500 Malaysian Ringgit, irrespective of their duration of stay.​

 

[Saif]

Deliver on assurances to stranded workers

Govt should work with Malaysia to fast-track their travel

www.thedailystar.net

Deliver on assurances to stranded workers
Govt should work with Malaysia to fast-track their travel

Our heart goes out to the over 18,000 Bangladeshis who missed the deadline to fly to Malaysia for work around eight months ago through no fault of their own, and are still waiting to travel, despite various assurances given to them over time. It can be recalled that Malaysia reopened its labour market to Bangladeshi workers in 2022—after a four-year suspension due to recruitment irregularities—but then announced a freeze on hiring foreign workers in March 2024. This affected prospective workers from 14 countries, including Bangladesh, who were asked to enter the country by May 31. However, despite obtaining clearance from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), completing other necessary paperwork, securing visas, and even purchasing plane tickets in some cases, thousands of Bangladeshis failed to enter Malaysia by that deadline.

The failure was primarily due to mismanagement by the previous regime and local recruiting agents. Since June, numerous promises have been made, but none have been fulfilled. To be fair to the current government, it appears to have made sincere efforts to address the grievances of these prospective migrants. However, the reality remains that these individuals have faced significant hardships to prepare for their travel. Many have incurred substantial debts—with some even selling their land—to cover travel-related expenses. As they continue to wait, some have had to take on further loans, while others are struggling to cope with mounting interest on their existing debts. The psychological toll of this prolonged uncertainty has also been immense, with many families facing anxiety about their financial stability and future. Under these circumstances, the longer they have to wait to travel to Malaysia, the more debt-ridden and vulnerable they will become.

Recently, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul assured prospective migrants that they would be sent to Malaysia in phases, starting in late March or early April. He stated that those with BMET clearance and visas would begin travelling by the end of March, while those without BMET cards but with visas would be prioritised next. He further mentioned that individuals without BMET cards or visas should reclaim their passports and funds from the recruitment agencies, with ministry support in the process if necessary.

While we are encouraged by the law adviser's assurance, it is essential that these promises translate into action without further delay and that the timeline is followed without exception. Transparency and regular updates on the progress of the phased travel plan would help rebuild trust among the affected workers. Additionally, the government should ensure strict oversight of recruiting agents and agencies to prevent similar lapses in the future.​