Special Correspondent: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged Malaysia to reopen its labour market at the earliest opportunity and recruit more Bangladeshi workers, highlighting manpower cooperation as a key pillar of the longstanding relationship between the two friendly nations.Speaking at a joint press conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim following summit-level talks in Putrajaya, Tarique said he had requested the Malaysian government to consider increasing the intake of Bangladeshi workers and facilitate the reopening of the labour market.“I requested His Excellency Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to consider recruiting more Bangladeshi workers, as well as to open the labour market as soon as possible,” he said.The discussions took place on the second and final day of Tarique Rahman’s two-day official visit to Malaysia, his first overseas trip since assuming office in February 2026.Expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the Malaysian government and people, the Prime Minister described Malaysia as a trusted and longstanding partner of Bangladesh, saying bilateral ties are founded on mutual trust, shared values and strong people-to-people connections.The two leaders reviewed a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Bangladesh-Malaysia relations through existing mechanisms, including Joint Commission Meetings and consultations between the two countries’ foreign ministries.Tarique welcomed the steady growth in bilateral trade and said both sides had agreed to move forward with negotiations on a Bangladesh-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).Highlighting his government's priorities, the Prime Minister said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) received a strong mandate in the February 2026 parliamentary elections and had restored political stability through democratic means.“Our priority is to create jobs, attract foreign investment and accelerate economic growth. We are building a business-friendly environment and creating new opportunities for investors,” he said.Inviting Malaysian investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh, Tarique identified significant potential for cooperation in information and communication technology (ICT), energy, infrastructure, manpower, the halal industry, agro-processing, education, skills development, defence, the digital economy, semiconductors and other high-value sectors.The Prime Minister also raised issues concerning the regularisation of undocumented Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia and sought the repatriation of detained Bangladeshis where possible.He said both countries agreed that worker recruitment should be transparent, fair and affordable, with reduced dependence on intermediaries and lower migration costs.Describing Bangladeshi workers, students, professionals and entrepreneurs in Malaysia as an important bridge between the two nations, Tarique said their contributions continue to benefit both economies and societies.On the Rohingya crisis, the Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the plight of the displaced Myanmar nationals sheltered in Bangladesh and thanked Malaysia for its continued support for their safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation.The two leaders also discussed regional cooperation, with Tarique reiterating Bangladesh’s aspiration to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and its interest in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He appreciated Malaysia’s support for Bangladesh’s regional integration efforts.The Prime Minister said both countries had exchanged views on global developments, including the situation in the Middle East, and reaffirmed their commitment to working together in the United Nations and other international forums.He also thanked Malaysia for supporting Bangladesh’s candidature for the Presidency of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.Welcoming the signing and exchange of bilateral documents during the visit, Tarique said the initiatives would strengthen cooperation and sustain the positive momentum in bilateral relations.“I am confident that today’s discussions will open a new chapter in Bangladesh-Malaysia relations,” he said.The Prime Minister invited Anwar Ibrahim to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time, saying the people of Bangladesh would be honoured to welcome him.Recalling the historical foundations of the relationship, Tarique noted that his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, visited Malaysia in 1979 and helped lay the groundwork for labour cooperation between the two countries. He also remembered former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s visit to Malaysia in 1993, which further strengthened bilateral ties and cooperation.Tarique said one of the first congratulatory calls he received after taking office came from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who also extended an invitation for the visit.“My wife and I are delighted to be here on my first foreign visit as Prime Minister,” he added.