Chief Adviser seeks Malaysia’s backing for Bangladesh’s bid to join ASEAN
The chief adviser urges Malaysian companies to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday reiterated his request for Malaysia’s support in Bangladesh’s pursuit of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) membership.
He made the appeal during a meeting with Nurul Izzah Anwar, Vice-President of Malaysia’s People’s Justice Party and daughter of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka.
“We want to be part of ASEAN, and we’ll need your support,” the chief adviser told her.
Bangladesh formally applied for sectoral dialogue partner status with ASEAN in 2020.
Yunus expressed hope that Malaysia, currently chairing ASEAN, would take an active role in advancing Bangladesh’s application and ultimately support its full membership in the regional bloc.
At the start of the meeting, Nurul Izzah extended her condolences over the recent fighter jet crash at Milestone School in Dhaka.
“It’s a tragic and sad event for our country. We lost so many lives,” the chief adviser responded.
Congratulating Nurul Izzah on her new position, Yunus said, “Congratulations on becoming vice-president of your party.”
He also briefed her on Bangladesh’s recent political transformation and the reforms initiated by the interim government.
“We’re undergoing a reform process. Our students took bullets in their chests and overthrew the fascist Hasina regime. It began as a youth-led movement, but people from all walks of life joined in,” he said.
“Students filled the streets and walls with the spirit of the July Uprising,” he added.
Yunus also encouraged Malaysian businesses to invest in Bangladesh, highlighting the country’s youthful demographic. “Asia is ageing, but Bangladesh is full of young people—half of our population is under 27. Set up your industries here and export from Bangladesh. It will benefit both our economies.”
Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi and Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed were also present at the meeting.
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