Yunus calls for Malaysia’s support for Bangladesh’s ASEAN membership

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has sought Malaysia’s support for Bangladesh’s entry into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a member state.

He made the call on Sunday during a meeting with Nurul Izzah Anwar, vice-president of Malaysia’s People’s Justice Party and daughter of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, at the State Guest House Jamuna.

According to a statement from the Chief Advisor’s Office, Yunus said: "We want to become a part of ASEAN, and we will be needing your support."

Yunus expressed hope that Malaysia, currently the ASEAN chair, would play a vital role in approving Bangladesh’s application, which could pave the way for full membership in the future.

At the beginning of the meeting, Nurul Izzah offered condolences over the recent jet crash that killed and injured students of Dhaka’s Milestone School and College.

"It's a tragic and sad event for our country. We lost so many people," Yunus said.

Congratulating Nurul Izzah on her recent election as vice-president of her party, Yunus added, “I wish you every success in your new role.”

He also briefed her on Bangladesh’s recent political transition and the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government.

"We are going through a reform process. Our students took bullets on their chests and ousted the fascist Hasina regime. It started as a youth-led movement, but people from all classes joined," he said.

Calling on Malaysian companies to invest in Bangladesh, the interim premier said: "Asia is ageing rapidly, but Bangladesh has a lot of young people. Half of our population is under 27. Set up your industries here and export from Bangladesh. It will help both our economies," he said.