Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Monday 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 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 & 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.

In a separate meeting, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin hoped that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the two countries would commence soon.

They also discussed cooperation in the area of vocational training. Both sides expressed optimism to hold the next Foreign Office Consultations early next year. 

Building on the outcome of the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia to Bangladesh, both sides reiterated  commitment to enhancing the bilateral relations to a new height.

Jashim Uddin congratulated Malaysia for the upcoming Chairmanship of ASEAN in January 2025.

He sought Malaysia’s support for Bangladesh’s bid to become Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN and resolving the protracted Rohingya crisis.

The Foreign Secretary also emphasized the issue of 18000 stranded Bangladeshi workers who were unable to enter Malaysia by 31 May 2024.

The High Commissioner informed that relevant agencies of the Malaysian government are working in this regard. 

Both sides discussed possible collaboration in the areas of manpower, trade, investment, and halal economy.

The Foreign Secretary said that Bangladesh can offer a dedicated economic zone for Malaysian investors in Bangladesh.

He assured the High Commissioner of all possible support during his stint in Bangladesh.