Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is set to travel to Malaysia on Monday, August 11, for a three-day official visit following an invitation from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

During this visit, it is anticipated that up to five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed, as reported by the Chief Adviser’s press office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The agenda includes a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Anwar in Putrajaya on August 12, as confirmed by Shah Asif Rahman, Director General (Public Diplomacy) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Sunday.

Key discussion points will include the repatriation of Rohingya refugees, the expansion of the labor market, sustainable utilization of Bangladesh’s extensive maritime resources, agricultural collaboration, and enhancing bilateral trade.

Bangladesh will call on Malaysia and other ASEAN countries to take a more active role in ensuring the safe and dignified return of Rohingya refugees.

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, mentioned that discussions will also cover waste management cooperation and investments in deep-sea fishing with Malaysia’s treasury and relevant agencies.

“At present, we only fish within 40-50 kilometers of our coastline,” Alam remarked. “However, our maritime boundary extends over 210,000 square kilometers, which is larger than the land area of Bangladesh itself. The Chief Adviser aims to prioritize the sustainable development of this resource, a topic he has already addressed during his recent trip to Japan.”

Additionally, discussions regarding electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing are planned, particularly in relation to potential partnerships with Proton Holdings, Malaysia’s national car manufacturer, which is significantly investing in EV technology.

“We will explore the possibility of establishing EV production in Bangladesh and how we can collaborate with Proton,” Alam stated.

Furthermore, the Chief Adviser is set to meet with the CEO of Axiata Group, a prominent telecommunications firm in Southeast Asia, to explore opportunities in digital connectivity and technology collaborations.

The delegation comprises Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, and Expatriates’ Welfare Adviser Asif Nazrul, along with senior officials from the government.

There is also a chance that Dr Yunus will have a meeting with former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, where discussions are anticipated to revolve around the complexities of labour migration.

BIDA Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury is expected to engage in several business forums during the visit, with the goal of enhancing investment relationships.

Alam expressed concerns regarding Bangladeshi students and workers in Malaysia: “Many of our citizens travel to Malaysia for education, yet they frequently face challenges in finding suitable employment. This matter will be addressed during the discussions.”

On the contentious labour syndicate system in Malaysia, Alam remarked that it presents a structural challenge that involves various stakeholders. “Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has been involved in this issue from the outset. We are hopeful for significant advancements in the future.”

In response to an inquiry about a letter from the Malaysian government dated April, which accused some Bangladeshi workers of money laundering and human trafficking between 2022 and 2024, Alam stated: “The Expatriates’ Welfare Adviser is the most qualified to provide insights, as I have not personally reviewed the letter.”

Concerning the detention of Bangladeshis in Malaysia on suspicions of connections to militant groups, he confirmed: “An agreement has been established between the police forces of both nations. We are currently working to create a more efficient mechanism for verifying and exchanging intelligence. The two countries are closely monitoring these situations.”

The forthcoming visit signifies a crucial advancement in fortifying Bangladesh’s relations with Malaysia and ASEAN, following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s trip to Dhaka in October 2023 at the invitation of Dr Yunus.