Bangladeshi workers, living in Malaysia, will now enjoy similar social benefits and protection like the Malaysian workers while efforts are underway to regularise the irregular or undocumented Bangladeshis in Malaysia, said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Thursday.
"It’s a very fruitful visit. It's a landmark official visit which helped make the existing friendly relations between the two countries stronger and take the partnership to a new height,” Alam told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy while talking about Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ just-concluded three-day visit to Malaysia.
Bangladesh also flagged the issue of new recruitment and identified security guards and caregivers as two prospective areas, said the Press Secretary, hoping that they will see some progress soon.
Alam said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim talked to the Chief Adviser over the phone as Prof Yunus and the Bangladesh delegation arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Wednesday evening.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim exchanged pleasantries with Prof Yunus, saying that he would now discuss the bilateral issues they discussed in the delegation level meeting in the Malaysian cabinet.
The Chief Adviser thanked his longtime friend, Prime Minister Anwar, for hosting him for the landmark visit.
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The Malaysian Prime Minister said the official visit of the Chief Adviser strengthened the friendly Malaysia-Bangladesh relationship that has been forged since the diplomatic relationship was sealed in 1972.
This opens up new opportunities for cooperation for the common benefit, particularly in advancing good relations and economic growth of the two countries in the fields of defense, energy, strategic and international studies, in addition to capacity development in the field of semiconductor technology as well as trade promotion, he said.
“I feel much honoured to see the achievements and positive development of the bilateral Malaysia-Bangladesh relationship, particularly in strengthening the strategic and high-impact multi-sector cooperation,” said Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail.
He said the official visit was not just a diplomatic event, but a turning point to a range of important initiatives, including the signing of five MoUs and the exchange of three notes covering the areas of defense, energy, halal, research, education, semiconductor and the blue economy.
The Home Minister said this demonstrates the commitment of both countries to design a more progressive, inclusive and mutually beneficial future.
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Saifuddin said the implementation of Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) for Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia allows legal workers to return to visit their families in their homeland and return to Malaysia without having to apply for a new visa each time of the trip.
“This step is a symbol of Malaysia's appreciation for the immense contribution of Bangladeshis, who have not only been the driving force in various economic sectors, but have also become a part of the large community of the country,” said the Malaysian Home Minister.
Saifuddin said the implementation of this MEV also reflects Malaysia's bravery in pioneering a more friendly, inclusive and progressive approach to the management of foreign workers.
As the ministry responsible for domestic security and immigration management, the Malaysian Home Minister said the Ministry takes seriously the developments in Myanmar and its implications for regional stability and security.
Malaysia also noted Bangladesh's crucial role in addressing the refugee issue, particularly the Rohingya community, and will continue to support solution efforts through diplomatic channels and multilateral cooperation.
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“KDN (Ministry of Home Affairs) believes that regional peace can only be achieved through the close cooperation of ASEAN and the support of the international community. In this regard, KDN supports the ASEAN peaceful mission to Myanmar that will be led by the Foreign Minister together with regional friends to hold dialogue with stakeholders in order to achieve sustainable solutions,” Saifuddin said.
The minister said his ministry will continue to play a key role in ensuring that these policies and agreements work smoothly, including the management of foreign workers, border security and the monitoring of the implementation of the agreed MoU.
The Malaysian minister said these diplomatic ties are not only important on paper, but have a real impact on the citizens of both countries - from job opportunities and skills enhancement, to joint economic development.
“I believe, with a strong foundation built, Malaysia and Bangladesh are able to go further as regional and global strategic partners, guided by the principles of mutual respect, trust and a willingness to share benefits,” he said.