Shawdesh desk:

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday urged former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad to help Bangladesh in its bid to become a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

He made the call during a bilateral meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the Nikkei Forum: 30th Future of Asia.

Briefing reporters on the outcome of the meeting, chief adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam said that since Bangladesh was actively seeking ASEAN membership, the chief adviser requested Mahathir Mohamad to look into the matter applying his reputation.

Mahathir assured that he would always remain a friend of Bangladesh and pledged his support in Bangladesh’s efforts to secure ASEAN membership, he said.

Besides, he said that the two leaders discussed several other matters, including the Rohingya crisis.

Since Mahathir will turn 100 years old on July 10, he said the Chief Adviser wished him an advance “Happy Birthday” and conveyed his birthday wishes.

The press secretary said that the two leaders also discussed the historic mass uprising of Bangladesh.

They talked about the professionalism and sincerity of Bangladeshis working around the world, which helps Bangladesh earn a solid reputation globally, he said.

He said that Yunus invited Mahathir to visit Bangladesh at a time convenient for him.

Professor Yunus arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday afternoon to attend the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia and hold bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.