Extending full support to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus' position regarding Bangladesh, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday said he believes Dr Yunus' efforts can ensure a new Bangladesh with vibrant democracy and rights of its every citizen.

"I know you personally. I know your passion about the lives of men and women, human rights and human dignity. I fully support your position," he said during a joint press appearance after a bilateral meeting with Prof Yunus.

Recalling that they know each other for four decades, the Malaysian Prime Minister appreciated Prof Yunus' strength to accomplish things for greater good.

Looking at what is happening in Gaza and Lebanon, the Malaysian leader shared what is lacking there.

"It is a deficit of humanity, injustice and lack of compassion," he mentioned.

The Malaysian Prime Minister also paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban after his one-to-one and bilateral talks with Prof Yunus.

Bangladesh and the Malaysian sides pursued several important issues, especially the aspects of enhancing trade and investment cooperation like telecommunications, free trade agreement (FTA), labour, Rohingya refugees, higher education, besides the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Lebanon.

The Malaysian delegation joined a high tea hosted by Prof Yunus.

The Malaysian Prime Minister left Dhaka on Friday evening for Malaysia after his 'fruitful' visit to Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Prof Yunus saw him off at the airport.

They discussed issues of mutual interests to further strengthen the ties between the two brotherly countries.

The President congratulated Malaysia for the upcoming Asean Chairmanship in 2025.

Malaysia is going to be the next chair of Asean from January 2025.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or Asean, was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the Asean Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the Founding Fathers of Asean: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Brunei Darussalam joined Asean on January 7, 1984, followed by Vietnam on July 28, 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar on July 23, 1997, and Cambodia on April 30, 1999, making up what is today the 10-member states of Asean.
Tags: Dr Yunus, Anwar Ibrahim, Bangladesh-Malaysia