Process underway to open Bangladesh Consulate General offices outside KL: FS

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin has said that initiatives are underway to establish Consulate General offices in several Malaysian cities with significant Bangladeshi populations outside Kuala Lumpur to enhance service delivery.

He made the remarks while visiting Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday during a layover en route to Singapore on an official trip, according to a message received here today.

At an interaction with mission’s officials, the foreign secretary directed them to maintain close coordination with the Malaysian government and other stakeholders to resolve the issues faced by around 18,000 Bangladeshi workers, who have yet to travel to Malaysia despite having valid visas.

Expressing satisfaction over the mission’s performance, he urged the officials to not only focus on bilateral diplomacy but also strengthen people-to-people ties, boost trade and investment, prioritize the welfare of expatriates, and enhance public diplomacy in Malaysia.

Citing the recently held Investment Summit in Dhaka, he said that Bangladesh is now more accessible to foreign investment.
 
He gave the mission instructions to act proactively to entice Malaysian investors to make investments in Bangladesh.

The Foreign Secretary mentioned Bangladesh’s continuous attempts to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner, citing the close political connections between Bangladesh and Malaysia.

He underlined the importance of stepping up diplomatic efforts in this area while Malaysia serves as ASEAN’s chair this year.

He also underlined the use of technology to improve service quality and the significance of providing expats with sensitive and responsive service, especially when it comes to passport distribution.

The Foreign Secretary highlighted the mission’s key responsibility in ensuring the welfare of Bangladeshi migrant workers and creating better employment opportunities for them in Malaysia.

He also mentioned that steps have been taken to increase manpower at the High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Md. Shameem Ahsan also spoke on the occasion, the message added.