PUTRAJAYA - Malaysia and Bangladesh have agreed that exploitation and mistreatment of migrant workers must not be tolerated, with both sides calling for a more transparent and fair recruitment system.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said foreign workers remain vital to Malaysia’s economic growth, but their welfare and family welfare must be safeguarded.

He said both countries must take the lead in addressing long-standing concerns over labour recruitment practices, as cited from Bernama.

Anwar added that human resources cooperation has supported economic development but has also given rise to scandals and humanitarian issues that require urgent attention.

He stressed that recruitment systems must be transparent, mutually agreed by both countries, and free from abuse.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said Dhaka had requested Malaysia to reopen its labour market and consider recruiting more Bangladeshi workers.

He also raised concerns over the regularisation of undocumented Bangladeshi workers and the repatriation of nationals currently held in detention.

Both leaders agreed that recruitment processes should be fair, transparent and affordable, with fewer intermediaries involved.

They expressed commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in labour management and protecting workers’ rights.

Earlier, both leaders held bilateral talks covering trade, investment, human resource management, semiconductors, energy, agriculture and education.

They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The two sides witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation, along with two exchanges of notes on counter-terrorism research and investment promotion.

Tarique is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Anwar, marking his first bilateral overseas visit since taking office in February 2026.

Malaysia and Bangladesh recorded total trade of RM12.18 billion in 2025, with Malaysian exports accounting for RM10.08 billion, mainly petroleum products.

Imports from Bangladesh stood at RM2.10 billion, driven largely by textiles, apparel and footwear.

Bangladesh ranked as Malaysia’s 28th largest trading partner globally in 2025 and its second largest partner in South Asia after India.