28-member delegation to accompany PM on Malaysia-China visit

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will embark on a six-day official visit to Malaysia and China from June 21 to 26, accompanied by a 28-member delegation comprising senior government officials, including the foreign minister, foreign affairs adviser and expatriates’ welfare minister.

The visit is expected to focus on strengthening Bangladesh’s economic, diplomatic and strategic partnerships with the two countries, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam told reporters on Saturday (June 20).

According to the Foreign Secretary, the prime minister will leave Dhaka for Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (June 21) for a brief visit to Malaysia before travelling directly to China on Monday (June 22). Expanding trade and investment, promoting economy and creating greater overseas employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers will be among the key priorities of the tour.

During the China leg of the visit, discussions are expected to cover the management of the Teesta and other transboundary rivers, alongside broader areas of bilateral cooperation.

Officials anticipate the signing of two agreements and 13 memorandums of understanding (MoUs), reflecting the growing depth of Bangladesh-China relations.

The Foreign Secretary also noted that ongoing cooperation in the defence sector and Bangladesh’s military modernization efforts will be part of the discussions. In addition, the prime minister is scheduled to meet leading Chinese private-sector investors to encourage greater investment in Bangladesh’s manufacturing, infrastructure and technology sectors.

On the Malaysia visit, Bangladesh will seek enhanced access to the Malaysian labour market and request increased recruitment of Bangladeshi workers. Officials expressed optimism that, following the completion of Malaysia’s ongoing review process, opportunities for Bangladeshi manpower exports would expand further.

The Rohingya crisis and prospects for the safe and sustainable repatriation of displaced Rohingyas are also expected to feature prominently in discussions with Malaysian leaders, alongside a range of regional and bilateral issues.