Dhaka Correspondent:
Tarique Rahman is going to Malaysia on his first foreign visit after assuming office as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Diplomatic sources have informed that preparations are underway for the visit to Kuala Lumpur on June 21 and 22. And new hopes and expectations have been created among the millions of Bangladeshi expatriates in Malaysia surrounding this visit.
The concerned people believe that the issue of labor market, calling visas and recruitment of new workers, which have been under discussion for a long time, could be one of the important agenda items of the visit. Although there is a labor crisis in Malaysia, the pace of recruitment of workers from Bangladesh is not as fast as before due to various administrative complications and policy reasons. As a result, it is expected that discussions may be held between the two countries on introducing new calling visas or simplifying the recruitment process.
At the same time, emphasis will also be placed on increasing bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Malaysia. Although the two countries currently have commercial relations, there is greater opportunity in increasing investment, industrial cooperation and exports. There is a possibility of high-level discussions on these issues during the visit.
A large section of Bangladeshi expatriates working in Malaysia believe that if this visit is successful, new opportunities may be created in the labor market. Especially for those who have been waiting for a calling visa for a long time or are looking for employment opportunities in Malaysia legally, it may bring positive news.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also has plans to visit China after the visit to Malaysia. However, the most discussed visit is to Kuala Lumpur and everyone is looking forward to what kind of good news it will bring for the Bangladeshi expatriates.
Millions of expatriates hope that the relations between the two countries will be stronger, trade will expand and Malaysia’s doors will be more open for Bangladeshi workers through legal channels.