Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister of Malaysia, has vowed to fully back Muhammad Yunus, the acting prime minister, in his efforts to create a new Bangladesh.
During their bilateral meeting on Friday at the InterContinental hotel in Dhaka, Ibrahim emphasized the significance of battling corruption, establishing democracy, and guaranteeing justice.
After completing formalities as part of a state visit to Bangladesh, Ibrahim met with Yunus for a discussion.
The two leaders expressed a shared desire to improve their cooperation and relationship during their joint news conference.
During their conversations, Ibrahim addressed Yunus’s “inexperience” in governance, saying that Yunus’s vast professional background should not be taken into consideration.
In January 2025, Malaysia will become the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) chairman. In light of this, Yunus praised Ibrahim for his leadership and proposed Bangladesh’s inclusion in sector-specific discussions within ASEAN.
The prime minister assured Yunus that he would personally push for the inclusion.
In addition, Yunus gave thanks for Malaysia’s ongoing support and expressed some reflections on the country’s assistance during the establishment of the interim administration.
He declared, “We have decided to revive our long-standing bilateral issues,” and he had informed Ibrahim about Bangladesh’s “second revolution,” which represents the youth movement’s fight for a new Bangladesh.
Chief Advisor Yunus emphasized the youth’s sacrifices in the struggle for an inclusive country.
According to Yunus, we discussed three primary areas of cooperation: politics, business, and investment, as well as humanitarian and cultural support. We discussed the safe return of Myanmar’s forcibly relocated citizens to Bangladesh. I asked Malaysia’s prime minister to bring up Rohingya repatriation in the ASEAN forum with vigor.
“We discussed the importance of regular bilateral discussions between ministers, secretaries, and foreign advisors,” he continued.
“In order to establish a free trade agreement between the two countries, we hope to begin meetings of the trade negotiation committee.” We also discussed the possibility of inking new contracts in a number of areas, such as connectivity, blue economy, halal economy, education, energy, agriculture, science, innovation, defense, and youth development.
Yunus said that the service industry presented a promising opportunity for both nations to work together for mutual benefit.
The principal advisor stated, “I believe the implementation of the MoU signed in 2022 regarding the employment of Bangladeshi workers is crucial in recognizing their contribution to the economies of both countries.”
He went on to say that they discussed increasing the number of professionals and laborers from Bangladesh.
Yunus asserts that they discussed a wide range of topics, such as faculty exchange programs and the sharing of expertise in higher education. During the discussions, other topics included deep-sea fishing cooperation, marine science collaboration, and strategic connectivity between Chattogram Port and Malaysia’s Port Klang.
The two leaders reached a consensus regarding the need to carry out continuing initiatives aimed at bringing Bangladeshi laborers to Malaysia.
Ibrahim spoke the Bangla words for “revolution” and “struggle,” addressing Yunus as “brother.”
He also remembered his previous conversation with Yunus on August 5, after the caretaker was established following the mass uprising.
Ibrahim revealed that he first read Rabindranath Tagore’s Gitanjali while incarcerated, reflecting on his experience with the Bengali language.
He also shared memories of his friendship with Yunus spanning four decades.
Ibrahim replied, “Your lack of experience in governance, as they say, is nothing compared to your strength and passion for the poor, marginalized, and for the people,” in response to Yunus’s admission that he was “inexperienced” in politics.
You are currently observing Gaza from Lebanon. What is missing, though? Ibrahim described it as a lack of justice, compassion, and humanity.
“There are Malaysian companies here and Bangladeshi companies there,” Ibrahim stated in reference to trade and investment. We require more fruitful business collaborations.”
“Companies require increased attention.” We should immediately address any issues that arise. Businesses are noticing how much emphasis our governments place on fundamental economic problems and corruption. Regarding corruption, we won’t back down.”
We can also seriously consider working together in education. On this, more conversations are possible,” he continued.
“I believe in your efforts to ensure that this new Bangladesh, a nation with such vibrant democracy, respects the rights of every single citizen in the country,” stated the prime minister of Malaysia, expressing complete support for Yunus’s government.
