Head of Bangladesh’s Interim Government Calls for Eased Restrictions on Work Permits for Bangladeshi Workers
Malaysia-Bangladesh Relations: A Growing Partnership
PETALING JAYA: Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, has called for Malaysia to issue multiple-entry visas for Bangladeshi workers employed in the country to facilitate their return home when required. This move is aimed at easing the restrictions on work permits for Bangladeshi workers.
Facilitating the Entry of 18,000 Bangladeshi Workers
Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate, met with newly-appointed Malaysian high commissioner to Bangladesh, Shuhada Othman, in Dhaka today. He expressed his hope that Malaysia will facilitate the entry of 18,000 Bangladeshi workers who missed the deadline to work in Malaysia last May. This would enable the next batch of Bangladeshi workers to plan their migration to the country for work.
Boosting Trade and Investment
Muhammad also urged Shuhada to work on attracting more Malaysian investment to Bangladesh, as well as relocating Malaysian factories to the country to capitalize on its young workforce. This would not only benefit Bangladesh but also create opportunities for Bangladeshi workers.
Free Trade Agreement (FTA) – A Step Towards Enhanced Cooperation
Shuhada held a separate meeting with Bangladesh’s commerce adviser, Sheikh Bashir Uddin, who emphasized the need to boost bilateral trade and investment relations through the implementation of a free trade agreement (FTA). Bashir noted that Bangladesh has already started negotiating with South Korea, Japan, and Singapore to sign FTAs and that similar negotiations should be initiated with Malaysia to boost trade between the two countries.
Malaysia’s Labour Market: A Key Factor in Bangladesh’s Economy
Bashir stated that the Malaysian labour market is crucial for Bangladesh, as a large part of the country’s foreign currency reserves come from remittances sent by Bangladeshi expatriates in Malaysia. Bangladesh is looking to export more skilled manpower to Malaysia, particularly in the semiconductor sector, which requires skilled manpower such as semiconductor designers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, has called for Malaysia to issue multiple-entry visas for Bangladeshi workers and facilitate the entry of 18,000 workers who missed the deadline last May. This move is aimed at easing the restrictions on work permits for Bangladeshi workers and boosting trade and investment between the two countries. By cooperating on issues such as the free trade agreement, Malaysia and Bangladesh can strengthen their bilateral relations and create opportunities for growth and development.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation with Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia?
A: Bangladeshi workers have been facing restrictions on their work permits in Malaysia, which has led to a backlog of 18,000 workers who missed the deadline to work in Malaysia last May.
Q: What is the head of Bangladesh’s interim government asking for?
A: Muhammad Yunus is asking for Malaysia to issue multiple-entry visas for Bangladeshi workers employed in the country to facilitate their return home when required.
Q: What is the current trade relationship between Malaysia and Bangladesh?
A: Bangladesh is Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner among South Asian countries, with total trade reaching RM12.7 billion in 2023.