Bangladesh Seeks Malaysia’s Help for Rohingya Refugee Repatriation

In a notable diplomatic engagement, Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has sought Malaysia’s support on an urgent humanitarian issue. During a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Dhaka, Yunus called for Malaysia’s assistance in leveraging the influence of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to address the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. This appeal is significant as Malaysia is set to take over the Asean chairmanship next year.

Bangladesh currently shelters approximately one million Rohingya refugees who have escaped the severe violence perpetrated by Myanmar’s military forces. Living in overcrowded and desperate conditions in refugee camps, the refugees have long yearned for a safe return to their homeland. Yunus, expressing urgency on this matter at a news conference, stated, “Malaysia will be supporting us in raising that. This is something we have to resolve as soon as possible.”

Yunus and Ibrahim’s meeting was not solely focused on the refugee crisis. Strengthening bilateral ties was also high on the agenda, with discussions on enhancing trade, finalizing a free trade agreement, and securing political cooperation between the two Muslim-majority nations. Both leaders recognized the potential in broadening collaboration in agriculture, energy, education, and the semiconductor industry.

Bangladesh’s relationship with Malaysia is economically significant. As Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner in South Asia in 2023, Bangladesh saw trade volumes reach $2.78 billion. Malaysia is also a key destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers, with approximately 800,000 employed in various sectors like construction and manufacturing. However, these workers often face allegations of rights violations and corrupt recruiting processes, an issue both countries are keen to address.

Adding another layer to their bilateral talks, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim offered to recruit an additional 18,000 Bangladeshi workers, promising to ensure fair treatment and decent working conditions. Emphasizing this point, he remarked, “We need more workers but they can’t be treated as modern slaves.”

Anwar’s visit marked the first by a Malaysian Prime Minister to Bangladesh in 11 years, arriving from Pakistan with a 58-member delegation. It also symbolized the first official state visit to Bangladesh since Yunus assumed leadership following the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid allegations of corruption and human rights violations. Yunus has since committed to implementing reforms aimed at revitalizing Bangladesh’s economy.

As Bangladesh seeks Malaysia’s steadfast support within Asean for resolving the Rohingya crisis, this diplomatic dialogue marks a promising step towards achieving regional cooperation and enhancing mutual economic prospects.