Prime Minister set to depart for Malaysia this afternoon

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to leave Dhaka this afternoon (June 21) for Malaysia, marking his first foreign trip since assuming office.

According to official sources, the prime minister will aboard a Bangladesh Biman flight to Kuala Lumpur, following an invitation from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The visit is expected to further deepen bilateral relations between the two countries.

After completing the Malaysia leg, the prime minister will travel directly to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said discussions during the visit will prioritise trade expansion, investment, labour mobility, and regional connectivity.

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam said Bangladesh and China are likely to sign between 15 and 17 bilateral instruments during the visit, including 13 memoranda of understanding (MoUs), two agreements, one action plan and one protocol. These deals are expected to open new avenues in infrastructure, technology, development cooperation and investment.

The long-discussed Teesta water-sharing project may also come up during the talks, with experts suggesting that its implementation could significantly improve water management and agricultural productivity in northern Bangladesh.

During the Malaysia segment of the visit, emphasis will also be placed on expanding the labour market, boosting manpower exports and increasing bilateral trade. Malaysia remains a key destination for Bangladeshi workers, making the visit particularly important for migrant labour issues.

In China, the prime minister is expected to attend the 17th edition of the “New Champions” Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Dalian, Liaoning province. The forum will bring together around 1,700 representatives from over 90 countries and regions to discuss global economic trends, technology, innovation and development.

He is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on June 25, followed by a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on June 26.

The Prime Minister is expected to return to Bangladesh on the night of June 26 after completing the six-day official tour.