Bangladesh also requested Malaysia to take back the stranded Bangladeshi workers who could not return to Malaysia due to Covid-19 lockdown.

Bangladesh appreciated the government of Malaysia for allowing the workers to change employers and also for introducing the recalibration program under which illegal workers would have an opportunity to legalise.

Also read: Dhaka, Kuala Lumpur in talks over Bangladeshi workers’ return to Malaysia

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen raised the issues when newly appointed High Commissioner of Malaysia in Bangladesh Hazanah Md Hashim met him at the State Guest House, Padma on Monday.

Also read: Bangladesh briefs Gulf, Malaysia diplomats over expats issues

The Malaysian High Commissioner acknowledged the immense contributions of Bangladeshi workers and professionals in Malaysian economy and society.

She assured Dhaka of taking up the issue of worker’s return with her government.

The Malaysian envoy was appreciative of the policy initiatives and social safety net programmes of Bangladesh in the face of prolonged pandemic.

Also read: Malaysia suggests Bangladesh to provide enhanced support for SMEs

To expand trade, the High Commissioner hoped that the negotiations for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will start soon.

Dr Momen lauded the strong moral and political support of Malaysia in favour of Rohingyas and sought further support from both Malaysia and Asean for a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis.

He urged Malaysia to continue the operation of the Field Hospital to the support of the Rohingyas even in a limited form.

Dr Momen noted that recently the First Gentleman of Singapore donated relief materials to the Rohingyas staying in Bhasan Char island.

Also read: BMCCI urges government to focus more on healthcare development

The Bangladesh Foreign Minister sought Malaysian support to Bangladesh’s candidature for ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.

The Foreign Minister hoped that Bangladesh-Malaysia bilateral relations would reach a newer height during her tenure in Dhaka through meaningful cooperation and collaboration in different areas of interest.

Dr Momen mentioned that Bangladesh has been enjoying brotherly and cordial relationship with Malaysia since independence.

He noted that Malaysia is important to Bangladesh on a wide range of issues such as overseas employment, higher education, science-technology, agro-processing, trade, tourism, energy etc. and foreign investment.

He suggested that an investment delegation from Malaysia may visit the Economic Zones and Industrial Parks in Bangladesh to invest in Bangladesh where an investment-friendly environment is prevailing.