PUTRAJAYA: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia, was accorded an official welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex here today.

Tarique, who arrived at 9am, was received by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, followed by the playing of the national anthems of both countries.

He then inspected a guard of honour mounted by three officers and 103 personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment, led by Major Nur Ahmad Zaim Zahari.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, other cabinet members, foreign diplomats and senior government officials.

After the ceremony, Tarique signed the guest book before proceeding to a one-on-one meeting with Anwar, followed by a bilateral meeting involving senior ministers and officials from both countries.

Both leaders are expected to discuss the progress of Malaysia-Bangladesh bilateral relations and explore opportunities to further strengthen cooperation in key sectors, including trade and investment, human resource management, semiconductors, energy, agriculture and education, while also exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Following the meetings, both leaders are scheduled to witness the exchange of one memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cultural cooperation, as well as two exchanges of notes (EoNs) on counter-terrorism research and investment promotion and facilitation, after which Anwar will host an official luncheon in honour of Tarique.

Tarique is accompanied by his spouse, Dr Zubaida Rahman, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and senior government officials.

In 2025, total trade between Malaysia and Bangladesh stood at RM12.18 billion (USD2.84 billion).

Malaysia’s exports to Bangladesh were valued at RM10.08 billion (USD2.35 billion), with petroleum products constituting the principal export.

Imports from Bangladesh amounted to RM2.10 billion (USD0.50 billion), comprising mainly textiles, apparel and footwear. Bangladesh was Malaysia’s 28th largest trading partner globally with a total trade of RM12.18 billion.

It is also Malaysia’s second largest trading partner, export destination and source of imports in South Asia rafter India.