Shawdesh Desk:

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has asked Malaysia to take back the stranded Bangladeshi workers who could not return to Malaysia due to Covid-19 lockdown.

He also requested Malaysia to finalise the Protocol amending the MoU between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of Bangladesh (G to G plus) on the employment of workers.

The Foreign Minister made the call when the newly appointed High Commissioner of Malaysia in Bangladesh Ms. Hazanah Md. Hashim called on the Foreign Minister on Monday (Feb 21) at the State Guest House, Padma.

Welcoming the High Commissioner the Foreign Minister hoped that during her tenure in Dhaka, Bangladesh-Malaysia bilateral relations would reach to newer height through meaningful cooperation and collaboration in different areas of interest.

Momen mentioned that Bangladesh has been enjoying brotherly and cordial relationship with Malaysia since independence.

He noted that Malaysia is important to Bangladesh on a wide range of issues such as overseas employment, higher education, science-technology, agro processing, trade, tourism, energy etc. and foreign investment.

He suggested that an investment delegation from Malaysia may visit the Economic Zones and Industrial Parks in Bangladesh to invest in Bangladesh where investment friendly environment is prevailing.

He appreciated the Government of Malaysia for allowing the workers to change employers and also for introducing the recalibration program under which illegal workers would have an opportunity to legalize.

The Malaysian High Commissioner acknowledged the immense contribution of Bangladeshi workers and professionals in Malaysian economy and society.

She assured to take up the issue of worker’s return with her government.

She was appreciative of the policy initiatives and social safety net programmes of Bangladesh in the face of prolonged pandemic.

To expand trade, the High Commissioner hoped that the negotiations for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will start soon.

Momen lauded the strong moral and political support of Malaysia in favour of Rohingyas and sought further support from both Malaysia and ASEAN for a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis.

He requested Malaysia to continue the operation of the Field Hospital to the support of the Rohingyas even in a limited form.

The Foreign Minister noted that recently the First Gentleman of Singapore donated relief materials to the Rohingyas staying in Bhasan Char island.

Foreign Minister Momen sought Malaysian support to Bangladesh’s candidature for ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.