Dhaka, Kuala Lumpur ink 5 MoUs, exchange 3 notes to strengthen ties
On the first day of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s three-day state visit to Malaysia, Bangladesh and Malaysia signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and exchanged three notes to deepen cooperation across a range of strategic sectors.
The agreements were signed in Putrajaya in the presence of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, underscoring the growing momentum in bilateral relations between the two nations.
Exchange of Notes
Higher Education Cooperation
A note on collaboration in higher education was exchanged between Malaysian Foreign Minister Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan and Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, paving the way for enhanced academic partnerships, student exchanges, and joint research initiatives.
Diplomatic Training
A second note on training for diplomats was signed by the same officials, aiming to strengthen institutional capacity through knowledge sharing and professional development programs between the foreign services of both countries.
Halal Ecosystem Development
The third note focuses on cooperation in the halal ecosystem. It was exchanged between Senator Dr. Zulkifli bin Hasan, Deputy Minister in the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Department, and Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). The agreement seeks to promote halal trade, certification standards, and investment opportunities in halal industries.
Memorandums of Understanding
Defence Cooperation
An MoU on defence collaboration was signed between Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin and Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. The pact aims to enhance military-to-military engagement, training, and information sharing on regional security issues.
LNG and Energy Infrastructure
An MoU on cooperation in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply, LNG infrastructure, petroleum products, and related infrastructure was signed by Malaysian Acting Minister of Economy Amir Hamzah bin Azizan and Bangladesh’s Energy Adviser M Fouzul Kabir Khan. The agreement opens avenues for energy security and joint ventures in the energy sector.
Strategic and International Studies
The third MoU was signed between the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). Professor Dr. Mohd Faiz Abdullah, Chairman of ISIS Malaysia, and Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Md Shameem Ahsan formalized the partnership to promote policy research and regional dialogue.
Technology and Innovation Collaboration
MIMOS Services Sdn Bhd (MSSB), Malaysia’s national R&D centre in ICT, signed an MoU with the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BMCCI). MSSB CEO Mohamad Fauzi Yahaya and BMCCI President Shabbir Ahmed Khan inked the agreement to foster collaboration in digital innovation, smart technologies, and tech-enabled entrepreneurship.
Private Sector Engagement
The final MoU was signed between the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). NCCIM President N Gobalakrishnan and FBCCI Administrator Md Hafizur Rahman sealed the deal to enhance trade, investment, and business networking between the private sectors of both countries.
A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations
These agreements mark a significant step forward in Bangladesh-Malaysia relations, covering critical areas such as defence, energy, education, halal trade, and economic cooperation. Chief Adviser Yunus described the outcomes as “concrete progress toward a more integrated and mutually beneficial partnership.”
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the developments, emphasizing Malaysia’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s sustainable development and regional connectivity.
The signings were followed by a joint press conference, where both leaders reaffirmed their shared vision for stronger South-South cooperation and inclusive economic growth.