PUTRAJAYA — Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was accorded a grand official welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex this morning as he began his two-day visit to Malaysia, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations.
Arriving at 9 am, Tarique was greeted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The national anthems of both countries were played before he inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Royal Ranger Regiment’s First Battalion, led by Major Nur Ahmad Zaim Zahari.
The ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Cabinet members, foreign diplomats and senior officials.
Following the welcome, Tarique signed the guest book before holding a one-on-one meeting with Anwar, followed by bilateral talks involving senior ministers and officials.
Both leaders are expected to review the progress of Malaysia–Bangladesh relations and explore new opportunities in trade and investment, human resource management, semiconductors, energy, agriculture and education. They will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The leaders are scheduled to witness the exchange of one Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation and two Exchanges of Notes covering counter-terrorism research and investment promotion. Anwar will then host an official luncheon in honour of Tarique.
In 2025, Malaysia–Bangladesh trade stood at RM12.18 billion (USD2.84 billion). Malaysia’s exports, valued at RM10.08 billion, were led by petroleum products, while imports from Bangladesh amounted to RM2.10 billion, mainly textiles, apparel and footwear. Bangladesh ranks as Malaysia’s 28th largest trading partner globally and second in South Asia after India.
Tarique is accompanied by his spouse Dr Zubaida Rahman, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and senior government officials. – June 22, 2026