The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, New York

Prime Minister of Malaysia Abdullah Bin Haji Ahmad Badawi has assured Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed of looking into the problems the Bangladeshi workers have been facing in Malaysia.

The assurance came during a bilateral meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed on Wednesday on the sideline of the ongoing 62nd UN General Assembly session. The Malaysian Prime Minister said the Bangladeshi workers are welcome in Malaysia. But both the governments should work together to ensure that each of the workers is in possession of legal documents, he added.

Adviser for Foreign and Expatriate Welfare Affairs Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, who was present during the meeting, informed the two leaders that Bangladesh was awaiting a visit from the Malaysian Home Minister to hold detailed discussions to address the problems.

Ahmad Badawi stated that he would ensure that these discussions took place soon. Dr Fakhruddin said the present conditions in Bangladesh are very congenial for further investments from Malaysia. Both the leaders agreed that greater economic cooperation between the two countries would result in a 'win-win' situation for both.

It was also agreed that Bangladesh and Malaysia will cooperate in the international arena including the United Nations, OIC and the Commonwealth as they share many common values.

Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumdar, Press Secretary to Chief Adviser Syed Fahim Munaim and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ismat Jahan were present on the occasion.