DHAKA, Dec 29, 2024 (BSS) - Malaysian High Commissioner in Dhaka Mohd Shuhada Othman today called on Chief Adviser's Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi at Foreign Service Academy here.

Both the dignitaries discussed wide-ranging issues on Bangladesh-Malaysia relations, which included bilateral, regional and international issues of common interests, a press release said.

The special envoy reiterated that Bangladesh attaches high importance to its relations to Malaysia in cementing their bilateral relations in various areas of cooperation and partnership in the last 53 years.

He recalled with pleasure the official visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr Anwar Ibrahim to Bangladesh on October 4, 2024 marking the first visit by a Head of Government to Bangladesh since the interim government took office which has paved the way for a fresh impetus to our bilateral collaboration.

Lutfey Siddiqi briefed the Malaysian High Commissioner on the July-August Revolution and the ongoing reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government towards a democratic and a just Bangladesh.

He said the Malaysian High Commissioner emphasised enhancing trade and economic relations, acknowledging the potential for growth in bilateral trade.

Both countries may consider working on new areas of collaboration as identified by both leaders, such as, seamless manpower movements, reduction of manpower processing cost, data science, semiconductor, artificial intelligence, finance, health, agriculture, energy and halal economy.

They also recognised the significance of cooperation in fields of SMEs, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, capacity building, and manpower, ICT, and disaster management.

Lutfey Siddiqi congratulated Malaysia on its upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship and reiterated Malaysia's support for Bangladesh's bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.

He expressed his gratitude and satisfaction over the pledges of Malaysian Government to consider allowing the entry of 18,000 (approximate) Bangladeshi workers who were unable to enter Malaysia by 31 May 2024.

He called for a possible solution on this issue at the earliest.

Both the dignitaries assured to work together to eliminate the corruption caused by recruitment syndicates involving Bangladeshi and Malaysian nationals and loopholes in the system that allow for the mistreatment of workers, causing harm and losses for both nations.

Lutfey Siddiqi conveyed that Malaysian may consider establishing dedicated country-specific 'Economic Zone' for its investors, akin to those established for China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and India.

This initiative aims to leverage Bangladesh's geo-economic position nestled between China, India, and ASEAN, offering comparative advantages for business growth and regional connectivity.

The special envoy assured the Malaysian envoy all possible support in discharging his duties and Wish his success during his tenure in Bangladesh.