Malaysia PM likely to fly in October 4

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is likely to visit Bangladesh on October 4 and discuss a number of key bilateral and regional issues, including labour migration, trade, and the Myanmar crisis.

He may arrive in Dhaka around noon on October 4 after wrapping up his visit to Pakistan on October 2-3, a diplomat at the Bangladesh foreign ministry told The Daily Star yesterday.

"The Malaysian prime minister may hold bilateral talks with President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus," the diplomat said.

During the talks, Bangladesh is likely to raise the issues of increasing export to Malaysia, welfare of Bangladeshi migrants, and membership of ASEAN.

The Malaysian side may discuss the signing of a Free Trade Agreement and promoting digital economy and halal food.

"The two countries are not likely to have elaborate discussions this time. We are planning a joint commission meeting at the foreign minister level soon to advance our talks on the priority issues," said another foreign ministry official.

Malaysia now hosts about 800,000 Bangladeshi workers, but there are allegations of syndicates' involvement in the recruitment of workers.

"This issue is expected to be discussed with importance," the official said.

As Malaysia will be the next chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), it can play an important role in addressing the Myanmar and the Rohingya crises, he added.

The Malaysia-Bangladesh bilateral trade is worth over $2 billion, which is heavily tilted towards Malaysia.

"We will see how to increase our export to Malaysia," the official said.

Chief Adviser Yunus and Malaysian premier Anwar spoke on August 13 over the phone. During that call, Anwar said his country is ready to help and support Bangladesh's interim government in restoring peace and ensuring security.

Anwar said that Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has long-standing good ties with Malaysia.