Yunus seeks Malaysia’s support for Bangladesh’s ASEAN membership
Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, urged Malaysia to support Bangladesh’s bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a full member state.
The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by Nurul Izzah Anwar, Vice-Chairwoman of Malaysia’s People’s Justice Party (PKR) and daughter of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on Sunday, July 27.
“We are eager to join ASEAN, and we seek your assistance to make this a reality,” Dr Yunus said, emphasizing Bangladesh’s 2020 application to become an ASEAN sectoral dialogue partner.
He expressed optimism that Malaysia, as the current ASEAN chair, would champion Bangladesh’s application and facilitate its path to full membership.
The meeting began with Nurul Izzah offering condolences for the victims of a recent training plane crash at Dhaka’s Milestone School. Dr Yunus responded, “This tragedy has deeply saddened our nation. We have lost many precious lives.”
Dr Yunus also congratulated Nurul Izzah on her appointment as Vice-President of PKR, saying, “Your election as vice-president of your party is a remarkable achievement.”
Highlighting Bangladesh’s recent political transformation, Dr Yunus outlined the interim government’s reform agenda.
“Our youth led a historic movement, sacrificing their lives to topple the authoritarian Hasina regime. This uprising, sparked by students, grew into a nationwide call for change,” he said, noting how the July Uprising inspired vibrant street art across the country.
D. Yunus also called for greater Malaysian investment in Bangladesh, emphasizing the country’s youthful demographic.
“While many Asian nations face aging populations, Bangladesh boasts a vibrant youth, with half our population under 27. We invite you to establish industries here and export products, creating mutual benefits for our economies,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Dr Yunus’s Special Envoy for International Affairs, Lutfey Siddiqui, and Senior Secretary and Coordinator for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Lamia Morshed.