Tarique Rahman Malaysia China Visit: Bangladesh PM’s First Trip

PM Bangladesh – (Web Desk) – Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has kicked off his Tarique Rahman Malaysia China visit, marking his first trip abroad since taking office in February. The visit begins in Malaysia before moving to China, signalling a clear foreign policy direction for the new government.

Rahman arrived in Kuala Lumpur for a two-day stay, where he held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Malaysia is home to around 800,000 Bangladeshi workers, making it one of the most important labour markets for Dhaka. Key meetings were also held with top officials from AirAsia, Petronas, and MMC Ports.

After Malaysia, Rahman travelled to China for a four-day official visit from June 23 to 26. In Beijing and Dalian, trade, investment, and major infrastructure projects topped the agenda. Bangladesh is seeking nearly $6 billion in Chinese funding for development projects, including the long-delayed Teesta River restoration plan.

A meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected, with around 15 Memorandums of Understanding likely to be signed. Key focus areas include renewable energy, electric vehicles, a proposed Second Padma Bridge, and a China-funded 1,000-bed hospital in Bangladesh.

Rahman also attended the World Economic Forum’s Summer Davos in Dalian, where he joined a session on climate leadership and met WEF President Børge Brende.

The decision to visit Malaysia before India has drawn attention. Bangladesh and India have faced strained ties since the 2024 uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of New Delhi. Hasina has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh, and Dhaka has repeatedly asked for her extradition without success.

Officials say Malaysia was simply the first country to extend an invitation. The visits are being seen as a major step in Bangladesh’s efforts to build stronger economic ties and maintain a balanced, independent foreign policy.