PM Rahman Urges Malaysia to Reopen Labor Market and Legalize Undocumented Workers

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, to swiftly reopen the labor market for Bangladeshis and consider legalizing undocumented workers.

The call was made during a joint press conference following a bilateral meeting at the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya on Monday (June 22) morning.

"I have requested Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to consider recruiting more Bangladeshi workers and quickly opening up the labor market. I also raised the issue of legalizing irregular workers and the possible repatriation of detained Bangladeshis," Rahman said.

He emphasized that both leaders agreed on the need for a transparent, fair, and cost-effective labor recruitment process to reduce the reliance on middlemen and lower migration costs for workers.

Bilateral Talks and Delegation The joint press conference followed high-level talks where both prime ministers reviewed the overall state of bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen cooperation. Prime Minister Rahman led the Bangladeshi delegation, while Prime Minister Anwar headed the Malaysian side.

The Bangladesh delegation included Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, and key advisors to the Prime Minister. The Malaysian delegation comprised Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, among others.

Strengthening Historical Ties Rahman expressed his gratitude for Anwar’s early support, noting, "One of the first congratulatory messages I received after assuming office last February was from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. We are very happy to make Malaysia our first foreign visit."

He recalled his parents’ legacy in shaping relations with Malaysia, mentioning his father, former President Ziaur Rahman's 1979 visit, which laid the foundation for labor cooperation, and his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's 1993 visit. "Malaysia is a long-standing, trusted partner. Our friendship is built on mutual trust, shared values, and strong people-to-people ties," Rahman added.

Trade, Investment, and New Agreements Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing engagement through joint commission meetings and bilateral consultations. Rahman welcomed the growth in bilateral trade and announced plans to advance discussions on a Bangladesh-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Following the meeting, the two nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cultural exchange. They also exchanged documents on counter-terrorism research, capacity building, and bilateral investment.

Rahman highlighted Bangladesh's renewed political stability following the February 2026 elections. "Our priority is to create jobs, attract foreign investment, and accelerate economic growth," he said, inviting Malaysian businesses to invest in sectors like ICT, energy, infrastructure, the halal industry, and semiconductors.

Rohingya Crisis and Regional Integration Addressing the Rohingya crisis, Rahman expressed deep concern over the displaced community in Bangladesh and thanked Malaysia for supporting their safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation.

He also reiterated Bangladesh’s desire for closer ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), aiming to become a sectoral dialogue partner and join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Concluding his address, Rahman invited Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife to visit Bangladesh at their earliest convenience.