Bangladesh has formally requested the Malaysian government to allow entry to Bangladeshi workers who were unable to enter Malaysia despite holding valid visas, State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Shofiqur Rahman Choudhury announced on Wednesday.

In a meeting with Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim at his office in Dhaka’s Eskaton, Choudhury highlighted the importance of resolving the issue. “We have requested the Malaysian government to grant permission for the Bangladeshi workers who couldn’t enter Malaysia despite having valid visas,” he told reporters.

High Commissioner Hashim expressed Malaysia’s commitment to its friendly relations with Bangladesh. “The state minister requested us to reconsider the deadline, and I will convey the message to Kuala Lumpur,” she said.

Choudhury noted that the agreement between the two countries, which facilitated the issuance of about 17,000 visas, expired on May 31. “Both governments worked to fulfill the agreement, and we believe Malaysia will consider our request favorably,” he said.

Responding to questions about why the workers could not enter Malaysia, Choudhury stated that an investigation committee would look into the matter. He assured that arrangements would be made to compensate those who have BMET cards or e-visas.