Malaysia has voiced its support for Bangladesh’s bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as confirmed by Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim during a lecture in Dhaka on Sunday. The event, titled 'Bangladesh-Malaysia Relations: Moving Towards Prosperity', was hosted by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).
Speaking at the event, the high commissioner emphasized Malaysia’s willingness to back Bangladesh’s ASEAN membership proposal. “Under the ASEAN framework, all 10 member countries hold equal status, and no one can unilaterally reject a membership bid. As a close friend, I can say that the doors will open for you one day”, Hashim remarked.
Reaffirming Malaysia’s long-standing relationship with Bangladesh, she highlighted the strong bilateral ties between the two nations, dating back to Bangladesh’s independence. “We are your trusted friend, as proven since the very beginning of your independence. We are extending our hands to our Bangladeshi friends”, she added.
Hashim emphasized the need to expand bilateral relations in areas such as trade, investment, labor migration, technological cooperation, human resource development, and cultural exchanges. She also confirmed Malaysia’s 'open support' for Bangladesh’s ASEAN bid following discussions with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Bangladesh’s Additional Foreign Secretary, Ambassador M Riaz Hamidullah, as the special guest. The keynote presentation was delivered by High Commissioner Hashim, while BIISS Chairman Ambassador A F M Gousal Azam Sarker chaired the session. Major General Iftekhar Anis, Director General of BIISS, delivered the welcome address.
The lecture also marked the resumption of BIISS’s Country Lecture Series, which had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The series, initiated in 2013, aims to deepen Bangladesh’s understanding of its partner countries and enhance bilateral cooperation.
