Diplomatic Desk:
Business In Bangladesh Editor Engr. Mohammad Shajibul-Al-Rajib, participated as an invited guest in the reception organized on the occasion of Malaysia’s 69th National Day and Malaysia Day-2026. At the event, he extended greetings to the government and people of Malaysia on the occasion of the National Day.
The reception was organized by the Malaysian High Commission in Bangladesh at the Crown Plaza Hotel in the capital on Monday (September 7). Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moin Khan was present as the chief guest at the event.
Engr. Mohammad Shajibul-Al-Rajib exchanged greetings with Malaysian High Commissioner Mohammad Shuhada Othman at the event. At the event, he received a souvenir gift from the High Commissioner.
Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moin Khan highlighted the long-standing historical and people-centric relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia. He said that there had been commercial contact between Bengal and the Malay region since the fifth century. At that time, along with the spice trade, Bengal’s muslin was an important part of the commercial relations with the Malay region. Later, commercial and cultural exchanges, including communication between Chittagong and Penang, further deepened the relations between the two regions.
The minister said that currently the bilateral trade volume between Bangladesh and Malaysia is about 3 billion US dollars. However, there is a huge scope for further expansion of the economic relations between the two countries. He emphasized on increasing cooperation in new sectors such as free trade, pharmaceuticals, energy, digital infrastructure, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing and modern technology.
In his welcome speech, Malaysian High Commissioner Mohammad Shuhada Othman said that in 2025, the bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Malaysia reached about 3 billion US dollars. Bangladesh is Malaysia’s second largest trading partner in South Asia. However, to further advance the current trade relationship, the two countries are continuing discussions with the aim of concluding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by 2027.
The High Commissioner said that the initiative to form the Malaysia-Bangladesh Joint Business Council will play an important role in increasing communication and cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries. He also emphasized the importance of opening up new areas of Malaysian investment in Bangladesh.
Highlighting the issue of Malaysian investment in Bangladesh, Mohammad Shuhada Othman said that Malaysian companies have a significant presence in various sectors including telecommunications. In the future, there are opportunities for investment in various potential sectors including semiconductors, halal industry, digital economy, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, Hajj management, Islamic finance and agriculture.
In a message of greetings, Engr. Mohammad Shajibul-Al-Rajib extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the High Commissioner and the people of Malaysia on this joyful and significant occasion of Malaysia’s National Day. He expressed hope that Bangladesh and Malaysia will work together to further strengthen the historical friendship, mutual understanding and bilateral relations.
Senior government officials, diplomats, political leaders, businessmen and prominent figures from different walks of life were present at the event.
