Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin. File Photo

DHAKA, April 13, 2025 (BSS) – Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin has said that initiatives are underway to establish Consulate General offices in several Malaysian cities with significant Bangladeshi populations outside Kuala Lumpur to enhance service delivery.

He made the remarks while visiting Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday during a layover en route to Singapore on an official trip, according to a message received here today.

At an interaction with mission’s officials, the foreign secretary directed them to maintain close coordination with the Malaysian government and other stakeholders to resolve the issues faced by around 18,000 Bangladeshi workers, who have yet to travel to Malaysia despite having valid visas.

Expressing satisfaction over the mission’s performance, he urged the officials to not only focus on bilateral diplomacy but also strengthen people-to-people ties, boost trade and investment, prioritize the welfare of expatriates, and enhance public diplomacy in Malaysia.

Citing the recently held Investment Summit in Dhaka, he said that Bangladesh is now more accessible to foreign investment.
 
He instructed the mission to take proactive steps to encourage Malaysian investors to invest in Bangladesh.

Referring to the strong political ties between Bangladesh and Malaysia, the Foreign Secretary noted Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.

As Malaysia chairs ASEAN this year, he emphasized the need to intensify diplomatic engagements in this regard.

He also stressed the importance of sensitive and responsive service delivery to expatriates, particularly in passport distribution, and emphasized using technology to enhance service quality.

The Foreign Secretary highlighted the mission’s key responsibility in ensuring the welfare of Bangladeshi migrant workers and creating better employment opportunities for them in Malaysia.

He also mentioned that steps have been taken to increase manpower at the High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Md. Shameem Ahsan also spoke on the occasion, the message added.