Prof Yunus’ Malaysia Visit to Bolster Bilateral Ties, Focus on Trade and Labor

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ three-day official visit to Malaysia, beginning August 11, 2025, is poised to significantly enhance Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur relations, according to Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Alam described the visit as “crucial and action-packed,” with expectations of productive discussions across multiple sectors.

The visit will prioritize labor migration, investment, and trade, given Malaysia’s role as a key destination for Bangladeshi workers. Issues such as streamlined worker recruitment and visa processes will be central to the talks. Additionally, Bangladesh aims to secure Malaysian collaboration in deep-sea fishing and electric vehicle manufacturing through joint ventures.

Shah Asif Rahman, Director General (Public Diplomacy) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed, covering defense, energy, business councils (FBCCI-NCCIM), cooperation between the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) and Malaysia’s MIMOS, and collaboration between the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and Malaysia’s Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS). Three additional notes of cooperation on the halal ecosystem, higher education, and diplomatic training are also anticipated. Bangladesh will strongly advocate for its application to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN and to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The visit will also urge Malaysia and other ASEAN nations to take a proactive role in facilitating the repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Prof Yunus will hold high-level talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya on August 12, focusing on trade, investment, and labor cooperation. Accompanying him are Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Expatriates’ Welfare Adviser Asif Nazrul, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam. On Tuesday, Yunus will be welcomed at Perdana Putra with a ceremonial guard of honor, followed by bilateral and delegation-level discussions. The leaders will witness the signing of MoUs and notes, and address a joint press conference. Anwar Ibrahim will host a state lunch in Yunus’ honor. Later, Yunus will attend a business forum organized by the Bangladesh High Commission, BIDA, and Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, where the Bangladesh-Malaysia Joint Business Council will be launched. On Wednesday, Yunus will visit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), where he will be honored with an academic gown. Separate meetings are scheduled for Bangladeshi officials with Malaysian counterparts on energy, human resources, fisheries, and sports. Yunus is set to return to Dhaka on Wednesday night. This visit follows Anwar Ibrahim’s October 2024 trip to Bangladesh, marking the first visit by a foreign head of government since the interim government assumed office. Yunus recently reiterated Bangladesh’s ambition to join ASEAN, emphasizing the country’s youthful demographic as an investment opportunity. “With Asia aging rapidly, Bangladesh’s population, with half under 27, offers immense potential for industries and exports,” he said, encouraging Malaysian investment.