Bangladesh-Malaysia Relations, 1972-2006: A Historical Analysis

Abstract

This study is an attempt to examine and analyze the different aspects of Bangladesh - Malaysia relations including the historical background of these relations. Both countries share a common background which includes history, culture, religion as well as British colonialism. British colonial rule impacted the growth and development of western education, political institutions and constitutional political systems. Formal diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia had begun in January 1973 with the establishment of High Commission office in each other country. Since then, both countries adopted identical foreign policy objectives and principles toward different regional and international issues. The concept of national security and threat as perceived in both countries from internal and external dimensions has been more or less identical which bound them to adopt identical measures and postures toward major issues in regional and international levels. Mutual visits at different levels have frequently taken place in different times and both countries have concluded a series of agreements which have covered the areas of science and technology, manpower employment, investment both in direct and joint ventures along with political and cultural cooperation. Since 1990s, both countries have been engaged in deep rooted economic and commercial cooperation which may be defined as 'economic diplomacy' in the most recent international standard of the term. Economic cooperation between the two countries includes recruitment of Bangladesh man­power for working in Malaysian factories, Malaysian investments in Bangladesh, trade relations, signing of bilateral FTA, and arrangement of trade fair in each other country, regular exchanges of trade delegations, and above all, follows up of duty­free access of Bangladeshi products in Malaysia. In terms of total amount of FOi inflows in Bangladesh between 1995 and 2007, Malaysia ranks ninth among the investors. Bangladesh and Malaysia are also engaged in mutually beneficial cultural ties which was manifested by exchanges of students, arrangements of education fair, different sorts of cultural programs, food fairs, as well as science and technological training and research programs. Above all, a number of Bangladeshis have deposited a huge amount of money in 'Malaysia My Second Home' program between 2003 and 2007 which reflect Bangladeshis' preference for Malaysia as a country of peace and happiness. At last, though not the least common membership of both countries in such organizations as the UNO, OIC, NAM, 0-8, the British Commonwealth and other regional and international organizations has created a kind of affinity and solidarity between the two Muslim countries which again persuade them to harmonize the strategies and resources in diplomatic practices and enable them to contribute to the cause of peace and development both at regional and global levels.