PM’s first visit abroad likely to be KL, then Beijing

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is likely to make his first overseas visit to Malaysia on June 21-22, ahead of a three-day China visit starting June 23.

The announcement follows prolonged government deliberations over the choice of the first destination amid a competitive regional and global geopolitical environment.

Initially, there were discussions on visits to Bhutan or Saudi Arabia instead of India or China. The decision to choose Malaysia, foreign policy observers say, reflects a balanced approach by the BNP government.

The new government is pursuing a foreign policy dictum of “Bangladesh First” in place of the previous Awami League slogan, “Friendship to all, malice to none.”

“Just days ahead of Eid, prime minister expressed interest that his first visit would be to Malaysia before China,” a senior government official told this correspondent.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has made official visits to India and China, while Expatriates Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Expatriates’ Welfare Mahdi Amin visited Malaysia in early April.

Foreign ministry officials said preparations are under way for both visits, but the agendas have not been finalised. The foreign minister is currently in the US for the UN General Assembly presidential election.

“More discussions will be held before finalising the agenda and the delegation,” an official said.

However, officials said key issues for the Malaysia visit are expected to include opening of the labour market, migrant welfare, education cooperation, and boosting trade and investment.

About 800,000 Bangladeshi migrants work in Malaysia, but the foreign labour market has remained closed since June 1, 2024, following allegations of irregularities in recruitment.

Around 12,000 Bangladeshi students, second only to Chinese students, are currently studying in Malaysia.

Malaysian authorities are also keen to expand cooperation in the education sector, officials said.

“There is significant scope to boost trade and investment, including in semiconductors and halal food, but we have not done enough beyond labour migration,” an official said.

China remains Bangladesh’s largest import source, with annual imports worth about $25 billion, and is also a key development partner in infrastructure.

Officials said Chinese investment in new projects slowed after the fall of the Awami League government amid political uncertainty. Following the formation of the BNP government, both sides are now discussing fresh funding.

China is keen on the prime minister’s visit to Beijing, which could open new avenues for investment and financing, officials said.

“Bangladesh sought Chinese support for the Teesta River management project during Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman’s visit to Beijing. This will be on the list,” an official said.