Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed gratitude to the expatriate Bangladeshis in Malaysia for their important contribution to the economy of Bangladesh.
He said, ‘You are making a huge contribution to the economy. We have to recognize your contribution. We have to ensure the voting rights of expatriates in the next election.’
Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus said this at a view-sharing meeting with expatriate Bangladeshis in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday (August 12, 2025).
Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain, Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Advisor Professor Asif Nazrul were also present at the meeting.
The Chief Advisor said, ‘Since assuming office, we have tried to discuss with the expatriates, to listen to their words. You have many complaints, some of which are fair. We are continuously trying to resolve these problems. We are trying to reduce the complications.’
The government has taken very quick measures to resolve the passport-related complications and the ‘Citizen Service Bangladesh’ initiative is being taken to provide all government services to the expatriates, the Chief Advisor said.
In addition, work is underway to create a special app for expatriates so that all expatriate Bangladeshis living in different countries of the world can stay connected on one platform, the Chief Advisor said.
Referring to the role of expatriates in Bangladesh’s economic recovery from the devastating situation, the Chief Advisor said, ‘The situation in the country has now returned to a comfortable place. You have made a big contribution in the economic recovery.’
‘We are now ready to hand over power to the elected representatives. I have already announced the election time. The government is working to ensure the voting rights of expatriates in this election. I hope this time you will have a new experience. You will all become voters and vote. We have discussed this issue with the Election Commissioner. They are making preparations,’ he added.
Several problems of expatriate Bangladeshis in Malaysia were discussed in the meeting. Among these, discussions have been held with Malaysian authorities on increasing manpower at the embassy, granting Graduate Plus visas to Bangladeshi students, regularizing those who have become irregular, and cooperation in the trade and industry sectors, said Expatriate Welfare Advisor Professor Asif Nazrul.
Representatives from different professions, classes, organizations, and business people participated in the exchange of views.
