Tarique Rahman Malaysia visit begins on June 21 as Bangladesh’s prime minister undertakes his first official foreign tour since taking office, with labour market issues, migrant welfare and education cooperation expected to dominate the agenda.
The two-day Malaysia visit will be followed by a trip to China, marking a significant diplomatic opening for the new government in Dhaka. According to officials, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Malaysia on June 21 and 22 before leaving Kuala Lumpur for Beijing on June 23. He is expected to return home on June 26.
The visit comes at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and has drawn attention because Malaysia is one of the most important destinations for Bangladeshi migrant workers. It also comes as Dhaka seeks to strengthen ties with key Asian partners while balancing relations with regional powers.
Tarique Rahman Malaysia Visit to Focus on Labour Market
Labour recruitment is expected to be the central issue during the Malaysia leg of the tour. Malaysia has long been a major employment destination for Bangladeshi workers, but recruitment has faced repeated disruption due to allegations of syndicates, high migration costs, irregularities and administrative complications.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office have indicated that labour market access will receive the highest priority during the visit. Bangladesh is expected to raise issues linked to reopening recruitment, ensuring fair hiring practices and improving protections for migrant workers.
The visit has also generated interest among Bangladeshis living in Malaysia, many of whom hope the talks will address the status of undocumented expatriates. Some community members have urged the prime minister to raise the issue of legalisation during bilateral discussions.
Earlier in April, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury and Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin visited Kuala Lumpur for talks on labour market cooperation. Following that visit, officials said efforts were under way to resume recruitment of Bangladeshi workers in the previously restricted market.
Education Cooperation Also on Agenda
Education cooperation is also expected to feature prominently during the Tarique Rahman Malaysia visit. Officials have said a Memorandum of Understanding on educational cooperation is under consideration between the two countries.
Bangladeshi students in Malaysia are also seeking inclusion in the country’s Graduate Pass facility. At present, international students from 32 countries are eligible for the pass, which allows graduates to stay in Malaysia for one year after completing undergraduate or higher studies to look for employment without sponsorship. Bangladesh is not currently included in the list.
Students and expatriate groups have called for Bangladesh to be added as the 33rd eligible country, arguing that the move would support Bangladeshi graduates and deepen education ties between the two nations.
Small Delegation Expected for PM Tarique Foreign Trip
The prime minister is expected to travel with a limited delegation, in line with his stated emphasis on austerity. Officials said advisers may play a more prominent role than ministers and state ministers during the tour.
The number of accompanying delegates is expected to be around 20, although some members may return after the Malaysia leg before the China visit begins. The final composition of the delegation may still change before departure.
According to the expected itinerary, Tarique Rahman will arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on the evening of June 21. He is expected to attend an exchange meeting with expatriate professionals later that night, followed by bilateral meetings and possible interactions with business stakeholders on June 22.
Party leaders in Malaysia have said there are no separate political programmes planned at the airport because the visit is being treated as an official state engagement and the Malaysian government will formally receive the prime minister.
Bangladesh Malaysia Ties in Focus
The visit is being seen as important for both diplomatic and economic reasons. Malaysia remains a key partner for Bangladesh in labour migration, trade, investment and education, while Bangladesh is seeking wider opportunities for its workers, students and businesses abroad.
Tarique Rahman previously visited Malaysia in 1997 and travelled there several times between 2001 and 2005 while serving as BNP’s senior joint secretary general. He also visited Malaysia from London in 2014 while serving as BNP senior vice chairman.
However, the June 2026 trip marks his first official overseas tour as prime minister. Observers say the visit could help shape the new government’s foreign policy direction and signal Dhaka’s intention to strengthen practical cooperation with Southeast Asian partners.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, June 20, 2026
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