Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Mohd Shuhada Othman, paid a maiden courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, March 10, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed 
Islam today said creating employment opportunities for youth and women 
remains a key priority of the Bangladesh government, highlighting Dhaka's 
focus on sending skilled manpower to Malaysia.

She made the remarks when Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohd 
Shuhada Othman paid a maiden courtesy call on her at the Ministry of Foreign 
Affairs in Dhaka, according to a press release.

During the meeting, the Malaysian envoy congratulated the state minister on 
assuming office and conveyed greetings and best wishes from the Government of 
Malaysia to the newly elected government of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister 
Tarique Rahman.

He expressed hope that Bangladesh-Malaysia relations would further strengthen 
under the new leadership, adding that the Malaysian government plans to 
invite the prime minister of Bangladesh to undertake a bilateral visit to 
Malaysia to further enhance cooperation.

The state minister recalled the role of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda 
Zia in strengthening ties between the two countries and reaffirmed 
Bangladesh's commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation based on 
transparency, accountability and good governance.

Both sides identified several priority sectors for cooperation, including 
trade diversification, agriculture, sports collaboration, energy trade and 
supply chain partnerships, alongside boosting exports of Bangladeshi ready-
made garments.

The state minister also stressed the importance of effective implementation 
of the memoranda of understanding signed during the recent high-level visit 
of the former chief adviser to Malaysia.

They further discussed opportunities for cooperation in emerging sectors such 
as the semiconductor industry, halal sector development and agro-based 
industries.

The Malaysian envoy highlighted prospects for technology transfer and 
industrial collaboration, noting that Malaysian automobile companies could 
explore assembling vehicles in Bangladesh while providing training 
opportunities for young Bangladeshi professionals.

Both sides also discussed the possibility of establishing a Joint Business 
Council to further strengthen economic engagement between the two countries.

Highlighting manpower cooperation, the state minister appreciated Malaysia's 
decision to facilitate multiple-entry visas for Bangladeshi nationals and 
stressed the importance of vocational training and human resource development 
to prepare Bangladeshi youth for the international labour market.

She noted that more than 10,000 Bangladeshi students are currently studying 
in Malaysia, while Bangladeshi academics are also contributing to Malaysian 
universities.

Emphasising the role of the private sector, the state minister proposed 
increasing Malaysian imports from Bangladesh, including pharmaceuticals, 
ceramics, jute products and ready-made garments.

She also suggested establishing a joint cultural centre in Malaysia to 
promote Bangladeshi culture, cuisine and language.

The Malaysian envoy, in turn, highlighted Malaysian investments in 
Bangladesh, including Robi and Edotco, which are contributing to the 
country's economic development.

During the meeting, the state minister also sought Malaysia's support for 
Bangladesh's bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN and requested 
continued support in addressing the Rohingya crisis, including ensuring safe 
and sustainable repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar.

Both sides expressed optimism about the future trajectory of Bangladesh-
Malaysia relations and reaffirmed their commitment to elevating the 
partnership through concrete and result-oriented initiatives.