Moyeen Khan calls for deeper Malaysia ties, safer migration for Bangladeshi workers

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Abdul Moyeen Khan has called for deeper economic ties with Malaysia, while urging the two countries to ensure safer migration for Bangladeshi workers and jointly tackle groups exploiting prospective migrants.

Speaking as chief guest at a reception in Dhaka on Monday marking Malaysia’s 69th National Day, Khan said he hoped the longstanding relationship between the two countries would become “deeper and more multidimensional.”

Ambassadors and high commissioners from several countries attended the reception at the Crowne Plaza hotel.

Khan said bilateral trade currently stands at nearly $3 billion, but there remains considerable scope for expansion.

He identified free trade, investment, energy, digital infrastructure, electric vehicles and modern technology as areas where Bangladesh and Malaysia could deepen cooperation.

The minister also put labour migration high on the agenda, calling for a safe and transparent recruitment system for Bangladeshis seeking employment in Malaysia.

Malaysia is a major destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers, but recruitment to the country has repeatedly faced allegations of high costs and exploitation by intermediaries.

Khan said Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur should work together to prevent unscrupulous groups from exploiting prospective workers.

He also sought stronger cooperation in education, skills development and cultural exchanges.

Recalling the history of bilateral relations, Khan referred to late President Ziaur Rahman’s visit to Malaysia in 1979 as well as a recent visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Khan also sought a stronger Malaysian role in addressing the protracted Rohingya crisis, urging Kuala Lumpur to play a “constructive role” in efforts toward a resolution.

He congratulated the Malaysian government and people on the occasion of the country’s National Day, saying Bangladesh looked forward to taking the relationship into new areas of cooperation.

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