Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moin Khan has congratulated the government and people of Malaysia on the occasion of the country’s 69th National Day and Malaysia Day, expressing hope for further deepening and diversifying Bangladesh-Malaysia relations.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a programme organised at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the capital on Monday (September 7) to mark Malaysia’s National Day. Ambassadors and high commissioners of various countries stationed in Bangladesh attended the event.

Recalling the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia, the local government minister referred to the 1979 visit to Malaysia by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and the recent visit to Malaysia by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

He said bilateral trade currently stands at around US$3 billion. There is scope to further expand trade as well as cooperation in areas such as free trade, investment, energy, digital infrastructure, electric vehicles and advanced technologies, he added.

Emphasising the need to ensure safe and transparent migration for Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia, he said the two countries must work together to prevent unscrupulous groups from exploiting prospective migrants.

The minister also called for greater cooperation in education, skills development and cultural exchanges, while seeking Malaysia’s constructive role in resolving the Rohingya crisis.