Momen urges Malaysia to take back stranded Bangladeshi workers

Bangladesh has urged Malaysia to finalize the protocol amending the MoU between the government of Malaysia and the government of Bangladesh (G-to-G plus) on worker employment.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen requested Malaysia to take back the stranded Bangladeshi expatriate workers, who have been stuck here due to Covid-19 lockdown.

Momen raised the issues when he met with the newly appointed High Commissioner of Malaysia in Bangladesh Hazanah Md Hashim at the State Guest House, Padma on Monday.

During the meeting, Momen appreciated the government of Malaysia for allowing the workers to change employers and also for introducing the recalibration program under which illegal workers would have an opportunity to be legalized.

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Acknowledging the immense contribution Bangladeshi workers and professionals have made to the Malaysian economy and society, the Malaysian envoy assured the foreign minister of taking up the issue of workers’ return with her government.

The Malaysian high commissioner hoped that the negotiations for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will start soon to expand trade between the two countries.

She also admired the policy initiatives and social safety net programs of Bangladesh in the face of the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic.

Momen said: “Malaysia is important to Bangladesh on a wide range of issues, such as overseas employment, higher education, science-technology, agro-processing, trade, tourism, energy, and foreign investment.”

An investment delegation from Malaysia may visit the economic zones and industrial parks here to invest in Bangladesh, where an investment-friendly environment is prevailing, he suggested.

Momen admired the strong moral and political support of Malaysia in favor of Rohingyas and sought further support from both Malaysia and the ASEAN for a durable solution to the crisis. 

Foreign minister also requested Malaysia to continue the operation of the field hospital to the support of the Rohingyas, even in a limited form, and sought their support to Bangladesh’s candidature for ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.