According to Malaysian High Commissioner Mohd Shuhada Othman, as both countries continue to grow their friendship based on mutual respect, trust, and common goals, Malaysia is dedicated to enhancing tourist, cultural, and people-to-people ties with Bangladesh.
“Over the decades, our relationship has grown and expanded across trade and investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange. This partnership continues to be strengthened through regular engagements at the highest levels,” he said.
The envoy was speaking at a gala dinner organised to mark the Malaysia Tourism Fair in Dhaka on Saturday evening at a city hotel.
The high commissioner said Malaysia looks forward to welcoming more Bangladeshi travellers in the coming years, noting that tourism serves as a bridge that brings societies closer through food, culture, heritage and shared experiences.
Othman stated that the Festival Malaysia celebration highlights the “colours, flavours and rhythms of Malaysian multicultural harmony” and that cultural interactions are crucial to maintaining the cordial ties between the two nations.
He cited recent high-level visits, such as the official trip of the Malaysian prime minister to Dhaka and the visit of the chief adviser of Bangladesh to Kuala Lumpur, which he claimed reaffirmed the two governments’ commitment to bolstering cooperation in the areas of tourism, investment, education, and cultural exchange.
The High Commissioner emphasized Malaysia’s increasing international connectedness, pointing out that Kuala Lumpur International Airport was just listed as one of the most connected airports in the world.
This, he said, positions Malaysia as a strengthening regional hub for travel, trade and investment.
Education Adviser Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar attended as Guest of honor at the event which also gathered tourism stakeholders and envoys from various diplomatic missions and Adviser Abrar, Othman thanked partners including the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia, MATRADE, Malaysia Airlines and InterContinental Dhaka for supporting the festival.
Earlier in the day, while inaugurating the Malaysia Tourism Fair and the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 promotional campaign, Othman announced Malaysia’s target of attracting 300,000 Bangladeshi tourists in 2026.
He said Bangladesh remains “one of Malaysia’s strongest and fastest-growing tourist markets” and emphasised that smoother travel depends on proper use of the official e-Visa system.
Addressing concerns over travellers turned back at Malaysian immigration, he stressed that the e-Visa process is “systematic and straightforward” when completed directly through the official portal, cautioning that third-party submissions may cause discrepancies leading to complications, including blacklisting.
He urged Bangladeshi citizens to apply only through the official e-Visa site, which is regularly shared on the High Commission’s social media platforms, and assured that the mission remains available to assist travellers seeking guidance.
A total of 22 organisations, including airlines, tour operators, education institutions and medical service providers-participated in the fair. The campaign aims to promote Malaysia’s cultural vibrancy and strengthen tourism and friendship between the two nations under the theme “Malaysia Truly Asia – Visit Malaysia 2026.”
