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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has invited Malaysia to invest in Bangladesh. He extended this invitation at a joint press conference on Monday (June 22) following a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated, “Our priorities are creating employment, attracting foreign investment, and boosting economic growth. We are fostering a business-friendly environment and creating new opportunities for investors. I see strong potential for Malaysian investment in Bangladesh and sincerely invite Malaysian businesses to explore these opportunities.”
He recalled, “I remember that during my father, the late President Ziaur Rahman’s first foreign visit as President, he visited Malaysia in April 1979. That visit strengthened political ties and laid the foundation for labor cooperation between our two countries. I also remember my mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, visiting Malaysia as Prime Minister in 1993. Her visit further deepened our friendship and expanded bilateral cooperation. I sincerely thank the Prime Minister, government, and people of Malaysia for their warm reception and hospitality.”
Tarique Rahman said, “Malaysia is a long-standing and trusted partner of Bangladesh. Our friendship is built on mutual trust, shared values, and close people-to-people ties. The Malaysian Prime Minister and I discussed various issues. We deliberated on bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international developments. Today, we reiterate our commitment to strengthening Bangladesh-Malaysia relations.”
The head of government stated, “We have agreed to enhance communication through existing mechanisms, including Joint Commission meetings and bilateral discussions between our Foreign Ministers. We welcome the growth in bilateral trade and have agreed to advance discussions on a Bangladesh-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) received a strong mandate with overwhelming public support in the February 2026 parliamentary elections. Through the democratic process, we have restored political stability.”
The Prime Minister further added, “Our discussions covered ICT, energy, infrastructure, manpower, halal industry, agro-processing industry, education, skill development, defense, digital economy, semiconductors, and other high-value sectors. Bangladeshi workers, students, professionals, and entrepreneurs residing in Malaysia serve as important bridges between our two nations. Their contributions benefit both our economies and societies.”