Bangladesh PM's first overseas trip targets economic deals in Malaysia, China
Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to visit Malaysia and China on his first trip abroad since taking office, the Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday (June 20, 2026). The decision to bypass neighbouring India as his inaugural destination has drawn attention, but officials described the visits as a strategic move to strengthen economic partnerships.
Mr. Rahman will depart for Malaysia on Sunday (June 21) and travel to China the following day, according to Dhaka's state-run BSS news agency, citing Foreign Ministry sources.
In Beijing, the agenda will focus on trade and infrastructure projects, including potential Chinese support for the long-delayed Teesta project—a plan to restore and manage a key river in Bangladesh through dredging, embankment construction, and irrigation.
Malaysia hosts an estimated 800,000 Bangladeshi workers, comprising more than a third of its foreign workforce. The visit is expected to explore avenues for labour cooperation and investment.
Analysts view the tour as a major diplomatic initiative by the new administration to diversify Bangladesh's international engagements, with both Malaysia and China being key economic partners in the region.
