Expatriate workers happy over Prime Minister's visit to Malaysia

It is worth noting that the Prime Minister's visit to Malaysia is also very important in terms of foreign relations. Despite receiving invitations from both India and China, he has chosen Malaysia as her first bilateral visit

Shahin Abdul Bari

There is a great deal of enthusiasm, joy and festive atmosphere among the expatriate Bangladeshis living in the country regarding the visit of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to Malaysia. Especially among the Malaysian BNP, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Sramik Dal, JASAS, expatriate students, businessmen and ordinary working Bangladeshis, there is a unique emotion and excitement surrounding this visit.

Many are seeing Tarique Rahman's arrival in Malaysia after almost a decade as a "historic and emotional moment". His arrival after a long time has become an occasion of new levels of joy for expatriate Bangladeshis. He last visited Malaysia in 2014.

The Malaysia BNP and its affiliates and associated organizations have made extensive preparations in the country for the Prime Minister's arrival. Party leaders and activists and ordinary expatriates have already organized welcome programs in the country's major cities. Those concerned are now busy welcoming the Prime Minister.

Malaysia BNP President Engineer Badlur Rahman Khan (Badal) said, "The Prime Minister's arrival is not just an official visit for us, it is a gathering of love, emotion and pride. The entire Malaysia BNP family is eagerly waiting to welcome this special moment."

Expressing the same sentiment, Malaysia BNP General Secretary Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain said, "Even in exile, we are spiritually bound to the country. The Prime Minister's visit is a unique occasion of inspiration for us."

Malaysia Jubo Dal President Md. Jasim Uddin said, "Bangladesh Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman is a symbol of our love and emotion. We believe that Bangladesh will move forward under his leadership. We are committed to maintaining the dignity of the red-green flag even in exile."

Malaysia Jubo Dal General Secretary Md. Ramzan Ali said, "This visit is a joyful chapter for us. At the same time, the memories of Malaysia and his family also fill us with emotion. We are eager to welcome our beloved leader."

Leaders and activists of various organizations including the Volunteer Party, Workers' Party, and Intelligence Service have also expressed their excitement about the visit. In addition, there is a festive atmosphere among ordinary expatriate workers, students, and businessmen. Approximately 1.5 million Bangladeshis live in Malaysia.

PM's 6-day tour schedule

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will leave for the country on a two-day state visit at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim tomorrow, June 21 (Sunday) afternoon. He will reach Kuala Lumpur International Airport in the evening and participate in a view-sharing meeting with expatriate professionals living in the country that night.

The official part of the visit will be held on June 22. On the second day of the visit, Tarique Rahman will hold a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

After the visit to Malaysia, he will leave for China on the evening of June 22. Later, on June 26, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will return home after his visit to China. During this 6-day visit, 27 people will be in Malaysia and 28 in China as part of the Prime Minister's entourage. Foreign Secretary Asad Al Siam gave this information at a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday (June 20).

Diplomatic importance

It is worth noting that the Prime Minister's visit to Malaysia is also very important in terms of foreign relations. Despite receiving invitations from both India and China, he has chosen Malaysia as her first bilateral visit.

Analysts believe that this visit is a diplomatic strategy to avoid India-China competition and maintain balance. In addition, initiatives have been taken to reopen the Bangladeshi labor market in Malaysia recently, which is one of the important aspects of this visit. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim invited for this visit in April.

According to a section of expatriate Bangladeshis, the organizational activities of BNP and the presence of supporters in the country are significant. In that reality, special interest and expectations have been created among expatriate Bangladeshis around the Prime Minister's visit.

Expectations of expatriate workers

Currently, Malaysia is one of the main labor markets in Bangladesh. More than one million Bangladeshi workers work there, who are engaged in various activities including construction, factories, and the service sector.

Reliable sources say that the meeting of the two heads of government will discuss fair wages, a safe working environment and an exploitation-free recruitment system for Bangladeshi workers. Bangladeshi workers have many problems in Malaysia. Complaints of excessive fees from recruitment agencies, breach of contract, torture and an unhealthy environment are often raised. The new government will discuss solutions to these problems.

Expectations of expatriate students

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's arrival is focused on the demand of Malaysian expatriate students for a graduate pass. Although the graduate pass is available for 32 countries in Malaysia, Bangladesh is deprived.

Although the graduate pass is available for international students from 32 countries who have completed their bachelor's or higher degree in Malaysia, Bangladeshi students are deprived. The students are drawing the attention of the Prime Minister to fulfill the demand of introducing a graduate pass for Bangladeshi students as the 33rd country to facilitate their stay and job search for a year without a sponsor.

Creating new markets

Despite the demand for manpower in Malaysia, the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers has been suspended since June 2024. However, this visit is expected to open up the country's labor market, as well as discuss a free trade agreement (FTA), exports, halal food certification, economic cooperation, trade, regional cooperation, and strengthening future bilateral relations with Malaysia.