PM leaves for Malaysia on first official foreign tour

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman departed for Malaysia on Sunday on his first international visit since assuming office, launching a diplomatic tour aimed at expanding economic cooperation, attracting investment and creating new opportunities for Bangladeshi workers abroad.

The Prime Minister left Dhaka aboard a special Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight in the afternoon, accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and members of a high-level government delegation.

The aircraft is scheduled to arrive in Kuala Lumpur later in the evening, where Malaysian authorities will formally welcome him.

The two-day visit comes at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and is being viewed as an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

Following engagements in Malaysia, Tarique Rahman will travel to China for a four-day official visit that includes participation in the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, commonly known as the Summer Davos forum.

According to officials, improving access to Malaysia’s labour market remains one of Bangladesh’s principal objectives during the visit.

The two governments are expected to discuss the issue prominently, as Bangladesh seeks greater employment opportunities for its workforce overseas.

The Prime Minister is leading a 23-member delegation that includes senior ministers, advisers and top government officials responsible for foreign affairs, expatriate welfare, energy and defence.

On Monday, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya. The two leaders are expected to hold a private discussion before leading their respective delegations in formal bilateral talks.

Officials said, “the discussions will cover a broad range of areas, including trade and investment, energy cooperation, agriculture, education, the halal economy, semiconductor manufacturing and stronger people-to-people connections.”

The welfare and recruitment of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia will also be a key focus. Both sides are expected to explore ways to increase the hiring of Bangladeshi workers and professionals, improve working conditions and benefits, and enhance skills development programmes.

Following the talks, the two leaders are expected to witness the exchange of official documents and address a joint press conference.

Bangladesh and Malaysia are anticipated to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cultural cooperation. In addition, both countries are expected to exchange a Terms of Reference document that will pave the way for negotiations on a future Free Trade Agreement.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is also set to host a luncheon in honour of his Bangladeshi counterpart at his official residence in Putrajaya.

After completing his engagements in Malaysia, Tarique Rahman will travel to Dalian, China, where he is scheduled to attend the Summer Davos gathering and hold a series of meetings with senior Chinese leaders.

The PM's press officials said, “Bangladesh and China are preparing to sign between 15 and 17 bilateral instruments during the visit, including agreements, memoranda of understanding, an action plan and a protocol covering a range of areas of cooperation.”

The Prime Minister is also expected to hold separate meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping as the two countries seek to deepen economic and strategic ties.

The six-day tour is being closely watched as it marks Tarique Rahman’s first foreign mission as head of government and is expected to shape Bangladesh’s diplomatic and economic engagement with two of its most important Asian partners.

The Prime Minister will return to Bangladesh on 26 June.