Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is currently visiting China. But from tea stalls to social media in Bangladesh, people are talking about Malaysia – specifically, about a 2-minute and 40-second video reviewing Rahman’s recent visit.
Released from the verified Facebook page of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the video features the popular Bengali song “Amar Bondhu Moha Jadu Jane” (My friend knows great magic) playing in the background. The clips emphasized the warm hospitality extended to the Bangladeshi prime minister and striking moments showcasing the chemistry between the two leaders, starting with the red carpet reception given to Rahman at the Perdana Putra building in Putrajaya.
The video also highlighted Ibrahim’s statement regarding working together with Bangladesh to resolve the Rohingya crisis, a critical priority for Dhaka. Those comments were the only words spoken in the montage, aside from the music.
Shortly after being posted on Ibrahim’s official Facebook page on the morning of June 23, the video went viral. The same day, Bangladesh’s state news agency, BSS, published the video on its official social media platforms. The video also made headlines across the country’s mainstream media.
Bangladeshi netizens were thoroughly impressed by the public relations strategy from the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office. Many commented on social media praising the way Malaysia turned an official state visit into an enjoyable experience through music, bringing it closer to the hearts of ordinary people.
Behind the viral video, though, what actually happened during Rahman’s brief 18-hour visit on June 21 and 22?
This trip to Malaysia was Rahman’s first foreign visit since forming the government with massive support last February. He had received invitations to visit several countries, including India, China, Japan, and nations in the Middle East. Choosing Malaysia as his first destination involved calculations of economic diplomacy alongside a geopolitical balancing act.
On June 22, the prime ministers of the two countries held their first one-on-one meeting, followed by a larger bilateral meeting. Later, at a joint press conference, Ibrahim emotionally recalled his old memories with the Zia family. He also praised the political sacrifices made by Rahman.
Bangladesh and Malaysia released a 33-point joint statement covering nine issues. Bangladesh’s priority was the swift reopening of the closed labor market. During his meetings with the Malaysian prime minister and King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim, Rahman requested the reopening of the labor market, reduction of migration costs, elimination of syndicate dominance, and the legalization of undocumented or imprisoned Bangladeshi workers by bringing them under a legal framework. Ibrahim made it clear that the exploitation of workers will not be tolerated under any circumstances. New foreign worker quotas will depend on sector-specific demands, and the recruitment process will be entirely transparent and competitive. To achieve this, both sides agreed to urgently convene a Joint Working Group meeting to revise the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on labor cooperation and sign a new one.
The joint statement also mentioned working together on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and the digital economy. Rahman proposed integrating Bangladesh’s booming IT and engineering sectors with Malaysia’s highly advanced Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) industry. Dhaka proposed a “Talent Cooperation Framework” for this purpose.
Bangladesh is Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner in South Asia. To institutionalize this relationship, it was decided to advance the process of signing a free trade agreement by 2027. Additionally, a Malaysia-Bangladesh Joint Business Council is being established to foster collaboration between the private sectors of both nations.
To tap into the immense potential of the global Islamic economy, Bangladesh sought the cooperation of Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) in the halal industry. An Exchange of Notes took place between the two countries regarding this. As a result, Bangladesh’s capacity in halal certification, research, and product manufacturing will multiply.
During the visit, Rahman met with top executives from leading Malaysian conglomerates, including Petronas, Axiata, AirAsia, Perodua, and MMC Ports. Besides the MoU between Petronas and Petrobangla for LNG supply and infrastructure development, Bangladesh invited Malaysian investment in oil and gas exploration in the Bay of Bengal, as well as in the renewable energy sector.
From a geopolitical perspective, it can be said that Bangladesh’s main achievement was securing Malaysia’s public support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a “Sectoral Dialogue Partner” of ASEAN. Dhaka also received Malaysia’s backing to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
On the Rohingya issue, Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to stand by Bangladesh, as always. Malaysia stated that it will utilize ASEAN and other international forums to exert pressure on Myanmar, striving for the dignified and safe repatriation of the Rohingya refugees. Both countries pledged to work jointly at the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to resolve the Palestinian crisis, combat climate change, and prevent human trafficking.
Decisions were also made during the trip to enhance cooperation in joint research between the universities of both countries, as well as in technical and vocational education. Discussions were held to boost tourism in light of “Visit Malaysia 2026” and medical tourism campaigns.
During the visit, a formal MoU on cultural exchange and two Exchanges of Notes regarding counterterrorism and investment were signed. Bangladesh and Malaysia committed to fully implement the MoU on defense cooperation and form a Joint Committee to develop a “Defense Roadmap.” The two leaders agreed on sharing intelligence regarding military science, U.N. peacekeeping missions, and counterterrorism.
At the end of a busy day on June 22, Rahman invited the Malaysian prime minister to visit Bangladesh before flying off to Dalian, China. We will have to wait to see just how effectively the song playing in the Malaysian prime minister’s video works its “Moha Jadu” (great magic) for Tarique Rahman and Bangladesh.
