Bangladesh and Malaysia on Tuesday agreed to strengthen relations through a series of agreements focused on trade, investment, labour recruitment, and strategic cooperation.

The understanding came after summit talks between Bangladesh Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim in Putrajaya. The meeting concluded with the signing of five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and the exchange of three cooperation notes.

The leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including a Bangladesh-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement, investment in Special Economic Zones, labour migration, energy cooperation, blue economy development, and cultural exchanges.

They also reaffirmed support for transparent worker recruitment processes and equal social security benefits for Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia.

Prof Yunus thanked Malaysia for facilitating the entry of nearly 8,000 stranded workers, introducing multiple-entry visas, and allowing emergency travel without job loss.

Bangladesh urged Malaysia to hire more skilled professionals and regularise undocumented workers, while seeking “Graduate Pass” visas for its students.

Malaysia pledged continued support for resolving the Rohingya crisis and will consider Bangladesh’s request for ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner status.

Economic discussions focused on reducing the trade imbalance, with Bangladesh seeking wider market access for pharmaceuticals, ceramics, jute, and other goods. Both sides signed a new MoU on LNG supply and agreed to explore renewable energy partnerships, defence cooperation, and cultural initiatives.

The eight cooperation instruments included agreements on defence, higher education, diplomat training, and development of the halal ecosystem.