Malaysia-Bangladesh Friendship Enters New Era with Stronger Trade, Investment and People-to-People Ties

Photo: CNI

Diplomatic Correspondent: The High Commission of Malaysia in Dhaka celebrated Malaysia’s 69th National Day and Malaysia Day 2026 with a grand reception, highlighting the deep-rooted friendship, expanding economic cooperation and shared aspirations between Malaysia and Bangladesh.

‎The reception, held at the Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel, Dhaka, was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, members of the Malaysian community and distinguished guests. The Chief Guest was H.E. Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives (LGRD), Government of Bangladesh.
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‎In his remarks, H.E. Mohd Shuhada Othman, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh, said this year’s celebration was centred on the theme “Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati”, reflecting Malaysia’s vision of inclusive development, shared prosperity and improved quality of life for its people.
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‎The High Commissioner emphasized that Malaysia-Bangladesh relations are built not only between governments but also through strong people-to-people connections involving students, entrepreneurs, travellers and Bangladeshi expatriates contributing to Malaysia’s development.
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‎Quoting Bangladesh’s National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, he highlighted the universal values of equality and human dignity, saying that friendship between nations is strengthened when people recognize their shared humanity.
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‎He also referred to the philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore, saying that Malaysia and Bangladesh demonstrate that countries do not need to be identical to maintain close friendship.
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‎Trade and Investment Cooperation
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‎Highlighting the growing economic partnership, the Malaysian High Commissioner said bilateral trade between Malaysia and Bangladesh reached nearly US$3 billion in 2025, making Bangladesh Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner in South Asia.
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‎He said both countries are working towards negotiations for a Malaysia-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the ambition of concluding it by 2027.
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‎He also welcomed the establishment of the Malaysia-Bangladesh Joint Business Council, which will provide a stronger platform for businesses from both countries to explore new opportunities.
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‎The High Commissioner identified promising areas for future cooperation, including:
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‎Semiconductors
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‎Halal industries
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‎Digital economy
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‎Advanced manufacturing
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‎Renewable energy
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‎Infrastructure development
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‎Islamic finance
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‎Agriculture
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‎Hajj management services
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‎He highlighted the contribution of Malaysian companies such as Robi and EDOTCO to Bangladesh’s telecommunications sector and said Malaysian investment opportunities in Bangladesh would continue to expand.
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‎Bangladeshi Workers and Education Links
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‎The High Commissioner praised the contribution of Bangladeshi expatriates in Malaysia, describing them as an important bridge between the two nations.
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‎He noted that more than 10,000 Bangladeshi students are currently studying in Malaysia, while Malaysian students are also pursuing education in Bangladesh.
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‎He invited Bangladeshi citizens to visit Malaysia under the Visit Malaysia 2026 and 2027 tourism campaign and highlighted Malaysia’s growing healthcare tourism sector under Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026.
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‎Defence, Regional and Humanitarian Cooperation
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‎The High Commissioner said Malaysia and Bangladesh continue to strengthen defence cooperation following the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation.
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‎He also reaffirmed Malaysia’s continued support for Bangladesh in addressing the Rohingya crisis, stating that a sustainable solution requires the safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya people.
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‎He welcomed Bangladesh’s aspiration to deepen engagement with ASEAN and said Malaysia would continue supporting Bangladesh’s regional integration efforts.
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‎Bangladesh Highlights Historical Connection with Malaysia
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‎Speaking as Chief Guest, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan recalled the centuries-old historical links between Bengal and Malaysia, including maritime trade connections across the Bay of Bengal.
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‎He said Malaysia was the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize Bangladesh’s independence, describing this as a foundation of the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.
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‎Dr. Khan praised the recent official visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to Malaysia, saying the choice of Malaysia as the first foreign destination reflected the importance Bangladesh attaches to bilateral relations.
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‎Call for Expanded Economic Partnership
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‎The LGRD Minister said Bangladesh and Malaysia should continue expanding trade cooperation and welcomed progress towards a possible Free Trade Agreement.
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‎He emphasized the importance of new areas of cooperation, including:
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‎Pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh
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‎Energy cooperation
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‎Digital infrastructure
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‎Electric vehicles
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‎Advanced manufacturing and technology sectors
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‎Dr. Khan also highlighted the importance of ensuring safe and transparent migration for Bangladeshi workers going to Malaysia.
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‎He welcomed the initiative to establish a joint working mechanism between the two countries to ensure that migration remains safe, transparent and mutually beneficial while preventing exploitation by unscrupulous groups.
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‎Celebrating a Shared Future
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‎The reception concluded with messages of friendship and cooperation between Malaysia and Bangladesh.
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‎The Malaysian High Commissioner expressed gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, business partners and supporting organizations for their role in strengthening bilateral ties.
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‎He ended his remarks with a message of friendship:
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‎“Long live Malaysia-Bangladesh friendship.”
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‎The celebration reflected the growing partnership between the two nations based on shared history, economic cooperation, cultural understanding and a commitment to a prosperous future together.