KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia and Bangladesh have reaffirmed their shared position that the exploitation and mistreatment of migrant workers must not be tolerated, with both sides calling for a more transparent, fair and accountable recruitment system.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said foreign labour remains vital to Malaysia’s economic development, but stressed that stronger safeguards are needed to protect workers and their families.
“Human resource cooperation, particularly the workers, has been critical for our economic survival but at the same time has invited lots of scandals and concern, particularly humanitarian issues.
“I truly appreciate the sentiments expressed in private to me and also in the bilateral meetings that we must take the lead in stopping the excesses and making sure it is transparent, meets the requirements of both countries. We must protect the interests of these workers and their families,” Anwar said, as quoted by Bernama.
His Bangladeshi counterpart, Tarique Rahman, said Dhaka had urged Malaysia to reopen and expand its labour market for Bangladeshi workers as soon as possible.
He also raised concerns over the regularisation of undocumented Bangladeshi workers as well as the repatriation of nationals currently held in detention.
Tarique said both leaders were aligned on the need for a recruitment framework that is transparent, fair and affordable, with reduced reliance on intermediaries.
“We look forward to continuing our close cooperation on issues of shared interest. I am confident that today’s discussion will open a new chapter in Bangladesh-Malaysia relations,” said Tarique.
Earlier, both leaders held bilateral discussions focusing on strengthening ties between Malaysia and Bangladesh, including cooperation in trade and investment, human resource management, semiconductors, energy, agriculture and education.
They also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual concern.
The visit also saw the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation, along with two Exchanges of Notes covering counter-terrorism research, and investment promotion and facilitation.
Tarique arrived in Kuala Lumpur last night for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Anwar, marking his first bilateral overseas engagement since assuming office in February 2026.
In 2025, total trade between Malaysia and Bangladesh stood at RM12.18 billion (USD2.84 billion), with Malaysian exports amounting to RM10.08 billion (USD2.35 billion), largely driven by petroleum products. Imports from Bangladesh totalled RM2.10 billion (USD0.50 billion), mainly comprising textiles, apparel and footwear.
Bangladesh remained Malaysia’s 28th largest global trading partner in 2025 and the second largest partner, export destination and source of imports in South Asia after India. – June 22, 2026