Referring to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus as
his "great friend", Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed
his support to the interim government's reform efforts.
Anwar
Ibrahim paid an official visit to Bangladesh on Friday. It was the first official visit by any head of government after the interim government
assumed office.
A
58-member delegation, comprising foreign minister, investment, trade, and
industry minister, deputy minister for transport, deputy minister for religious
affairs, members of parliament, and high officials of the Malaysian government
accompanied Anwar Ibrahim.
Chief
Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus received the Malaysian prime minister at
the airport. The Malaysian premier was accorded a red-carpet reception with guard
of honour and gun salutes.
Official
engagements began with a tete-a-tete between the two leaders followed by a
bilateral talk. During the meetings, the two leaders reaffirmed their strong
commitment to revitalise the long-standing bilateral relations and also
discussed potential areas of collaboration, among others, data science,
semi-conductor, artificial intelligence, finance, health, higher education,
agriculture, energy, defence and halal economy.
Both the leaders agreed to hold next round of discussions
on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) soon.
They
also agreed to hold a foreign minister level joint commission meeting
preferably in the early next year.
The
Malaysian prime minister lauded the enormous contribution of Prof Yunus for the
marginalised segment of the society through microcredit and social business in
Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world.
Advisers
for Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Finance, Expatriates' Welfare, Home Affairs,
Road Transport and Bridges, Chief Adviser's Office, Special Envoy on
International Affairs, relevant secretaries and other senior officials of
Bangladesh government were present from the Bangladesh delegation.
The
chief advisor also briefed the Malaysian premier on the ongoing reform
initiatives undertaken by the interim government towards a democratic and just
Bangladesh. "We are moving towards a new Bangladesh, which will make us
proud," Prof Yunus added.
The
Malaysian prime minister expressed his support to the interim government's
effort "to bring Bangladesh's economic trajectory back to track".
During
the official talks, the chief adviser drew special attention of the Malaysian
dignitary on the 18,000 Bangladeshi workers who could not fly within the
deadline.
The
Malaysian prime minister assured that his government will give major
consideration to the applications of these Bangladeshi workers.
Prof
Yunus urged the Malaysian government to issue multiple visas for the
Bangladeshi workers and increase the professional and workers
in-take to Malaysia.
While
deeply appreciating the enormous contribution made by the Bangladeshi
expatriates in Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim underscored the importance of ensuring
decent work condition and other benefits.
He
added that Malaysian government is reviewing the whole recruitment process
aimed at ensuring full transparency and accountability in the sector.
The
chief adviser drew Malaysian premier's attention to the numerous challenges
faced by Bangladesh due to the presence of 1.2 million Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
Prof
Yunus expressed his hope as Malaysia is taking up the Chairmanship of the
ASEAN, it will use its good offices for increasing pressure on the Myanmar
authority in order to ensure early repatriation of the Myanmar nationals.
The
Malaysian prime minister said he will extend wholehearted support in this
regard.
Regarding
Bangladesh's bid for Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, Anwar Ibrahim assured
Bangladesh of extending all possible support.
Later,
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus jointly
addressed the media.
While
interacting with the members of the media, both the leaders agreed that the
visit has elevated the bilateral relations to a new height.
Following
the press conference, Prof Yunus hosted a reception in honour of the Prime
Minister.
Advisers
of the interim government, members of the Malaysian delegation, foreign envoys,
government high officials and eminent persons were in attendance.
Prime
Minister Anwar Ibrahim also called on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at
Bangabhaban.
Issues
pertaining to mutual interests featured prominently in the discussion.