KUALA LUMPUR/DHAKA, July 28, 2026 — Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Bangladeshi counterpart Tarique Rahman held a telephone conversation on Tuesday focused on strengthening bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on energy cooperation and investment opportunities.
In a statement posted on his official X account and Facebook page, Anwar said the two leaders discussed efforts to enhance Malaysia-Bangladesh ties “particularly in the energy and investment sectors for mutual benefit.”
A key issue raised was Bangladesh’s current gas supply challenges. Rahman requested assistance from Malaysia, including possible cooperation with national oil company PETRONAS to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to help meet the country’s urgent energy needs.
The discussion also covered ongoing economic cooperation. Anwar noted progress on investments involving Malaysian telecommunications firm Axiata, as well as potential strategic collaboration with MMC Port to deepen economic links and create more opportunities for both countries.
“Malaysia will continue to be committed to strengthening the long-established friendship relations with Bangladesh, based on the spirit of mutual respect, pragmatic cooperation and the determination to bring benefits to the people of both countries,” Anwar stated.
The phone call follows a formal letter sent by Rahman seeking energy support and comes after his official visit to Malaysia in June 2026, during which several bilateral agreements were signed. Bangladesh is currently facing acute gas shortages after a technical failure at a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) reduced capacity by 500–600 million cubic feet per day.
Bangladesh’s State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit confirmed that Anwar had assured Rahman that Malaysia would explore all possible avenues of support after consulting relevant authorities and would provide a response soon.
The talks underscore growing pragmatic engagement between the two nations under Anwar’s MADANI framework and Rahman’s recently formed BNP-led government.
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