PUTRAJAYA June 22, 2026 – Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim today accorded a warm official welcome to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya, marking the start of a two-day official visit — Rahman’s first bilateral trip abroad since assuming office in February 2026.
The high-level reception included full state honours. Rahman was greeted with a red carpet arrival, national flags of both countries, and an inspection of the guard of honour comprising 105 personnel and three officers from the 1st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, led by Major Nur Ahmad Zaim Zahari.
Anwar highlighted the significance of the visit in a statement, noting that Rahman’s choice of Malaysia as his first official destination reflects the deep-rooted friendship and trust between the two nations.
“This visit is a great honour for Malaysia and underscores the longstanding bonds of friendship between our countries,” Anwar said.
The two leaders held a one-on-one meeting followed by delegation-level talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, labour migration, energy, technology, and regional stability. Discussions also touched on the Rohingya crisis, with both sides expressing support for safe repatriation efforts.
Key outcomes from the visit include pledges to accelerate a free trade agreement by 2027, enhance protections for the approximately 800,000 Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia, and boost collaboration in semiconductors, AI, and employment opportunities.
Images: (Top) Anwar Ibrahim and Tarique Rahman walking together during the visit. (Bottom) The leaders on the red carpet with national flags in the background.
Anwar later signed the guest book at the Prime Minister’s Office, with Rahman observing.
The visit underscores Malaysia’s role as a key partner for Bangladesh in labour mobility and economic development. It also signals a strategic foreign policy shift by the new Bangladeshi government, prioritising ties with Malaysia ahead of other destinations.
Further engagements are expected during the two-day stay, including a joint press conference. Rahman is scheduled to proceed to China next for additional high-level talks.
This engagement is widely viewed as a positive step towards deeper Malaysia-Bangladesh ties, building on historical, cultural, and economic connections between the two Muslim-majority nations.
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