Bangladesh and Malaysia Sign Eight Key Agreements During Prof Yunus’s State Visit

Putrajaya, Aug 2025 : Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, held a high-level bilateral meeting in Putrajaya this morning, marking the first day of Prof Yunus’s three-day state visit to Malaysia.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Anwar welcomed Prof Yunus with an official ceremony that included a guard of honour and the playing of the national anthems of both countries. According to Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, the formalities set the tone for a series of important diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

Prof Yunus arrived in Malaysia yesterday for the visit, which is expected to focus on expanding cooperation in trade, energy, defence, education, and cultural exchange.

The highlight of today’s agenda was the signing of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and three Exchange of Notes between the two nations. The ceremony, held in Putrajaya, was witnessed by both Prof Yunus and Prime Minister Anwar, underscoring the strategic importance of the agreements.

Exchange of Notes:

1. Higher Education Cooperation: Signed by Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan and Bangladesh’s Adviser for the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry, Asif Nazrul.
2. Diplomatic Training: Signed by Foreign Minister Haji Mohamad and Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser, Touhid Hossain.
3. Halal Ecosystem Cooperation: Signed by Malaysian Deputy Minister Senator Zulkifli bin Hasan and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud bin Harun.

Memorandums of Understanding:

1. Defence Cooperation: Signed by Malaysian Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin and Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain.
2. Energy Sector Collaboration: Covering LNG supply, LNG infrastructure, petroleum products, and related infrastructure, signed by Malaysian Acting Economic Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah bin Azizan and Bangladesh’s Energy Adviser M Fouzul Kabir Khan.
3. Think Tank Collaboration: Between the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), signed by ISIS Chairman Datuk Professor Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah and Bangladesh High Commissioner Md Shameem Ahsan.
4. Technology and Trade Partnership: Between MIMOS Services Sdn Bhd and the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI), signed by MIMOS CEO Mohamad Fauzi Yahaya and BMCCI representative Shabbir Ahmed Khan.
5. Chamber of Commerce Cooperation: Between the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), signed by NCCIM President Dato’ Seri N Gobalakrishnan and FBCCI Administrator Md Hafizur Rahman.

The agreements span a wide range of sectors, reflecting both nations’ commitment to deepening economic and strategic ties. Officials from both sides expressed optimism that the collaborations would boost trade, enhance capacity-building, and create new opportunities for investment and cultural exchange.

Prof Yunus’s visit will continue over the next two days, with additional meetings planned with Malaysian business leaders, policymakers, and community representatives.

Team Maverick.