Putrajaya, Jun 22 (V7N) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on the Malaysian government to legalize undocumented Bangladeshi migrants and increase the recruitment of workers from Bangladesh, emphasizing the significant contribution expatriates make to the country's socio-economic development.
The Prime Minister made the remarks at a joint press conference following a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya on Monday morning.
Tarique Rahman said Bangladeshi expatriates play a vital role in the national economy through their contributions and remittances. He urged the Malaysian authorities to take necessary measures to ease the difficulties faced by Bangladeshi workers living and working in the country.
During the press conference, the Prime Minister also expressed Bangladesh's interest in becoming a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He sought Malaysia's support in advancing the country's engagement with the regional bloc.
In addition, Tarique Rahman requested Malaysia to play a more active role in efforts to resolve the protracted Rohingya crisis, highlighting the continued burden borne by Bangladesh in hosting displaced Rohingya populations.
Following the bilateral talks, the two countries signed one Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and exchanged two official notes aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Earlier, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim formally welcomed the Bangladeshi leader to his office on the second day of his 18-hour visit to Malaysia. Tarique Rahman was accorded a red-carpet reception and received a guard of honor before the meeting commenced.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, labor cooperation, regional issues and expanding economic ties between Bangladesh and Malaysia.
END/SMA/AJ
