Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman's First Foreign Tour Takes Him To Malaysia And Then China
BNP leader begins first overseas trip covering Asia.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday embarked on his first overseas tour since assuming office in February, beginning a six-day visit to Malaysia and China aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, attracting investment and expanding strategic partnerships. The visit marks Rahman's first major diplomatic engagement abroad and is expected to focus on trade, infrastructure, labour market access and broader bilateral relations.
Rahman departed Dhaka for a two-day official visit to Malaysia, where discussions will centre on boosting trade ties, enhancing labour cooperation and exploring new investment opportunities. According to official reports, the Bangladesh leader is scheduled to hold talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on June 22 and meet representatives from the business community to discuss avenues for expanding economic collaboration between the two countries.
After concluding the Malaysia leg of the tour, Rahman will travel to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. During the visit, Bangladesh and China are expected to sign between 15 and 17 bilateral instruments, including multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), agreements, an action plan and a protocol. The proposed deals are expected to cover a range of sectors and further deepen economic and development cooperation between Dhaka and Beijing.
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One of the key issues expected to feature in discussions is the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP). Bangladesh has previously expressed interest in Chinese participation in the project, which is aimed at improving water management, flood control and river restoration along the Teesta basin. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam has confirmed that the project will be part of the agenda during the Prime Minister's visit to China.
The Teesta project is likely to attract regional attention because of its strategic significance and proximity to important cross-border areas. Officials and observers will closely watch whether any formal announcements emerge during the visit regarding Chinese involvement in the initiative. The project has long been regarded as an important component of Bangladesh's infrastructure and water resource management plans.
Rahman is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Premier Li Qiang on June 25 and meet Chinese President Xi Jinping the following day. He will also participate in the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, popularly known as the Summer Davos Forum, in Dalian, Liaoning Province, from June 23 to June 25. Accompanied by his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and an official delegation, the Prime Minister is expected to return to Dhaka on June 26, concluding his first foreign tour since taking office.
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