Kuala Lumpur: Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Shahidul Islam commented that Bangladeshi community is not as strong as expected to play any role there.
However, both the countries are maintaining a constructive bilateral relation, he added.
According to the envoy, Bangladeshi community itself has to enhance its dignity. None will move forward to build it.
Shahidul, while talking to banglanews on Saturday morning, put emphasis on creating strong relation among Bangladeshis expatriates in Malaysia saying that a community with great dignity presents the image of their country.
At present, Bangladesh and Malaysia maintain a good relation, the envoy said adding that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s last year’s (2014) visit to Malaysia has brightened the image of Bangladesh there.
The Malaysian government also showed great respect to Bangladesh premier, and considered her as a very important person, he added.
The commissioner, however, did not consider the issues of workers’ illegal entry and people coming to Malaysia on student visa are the main challenges.
Rather, he is giving importance on the prevention than the cure. “We have a vast opportunity in Malaysia, it is a big labor market,” he said.
If workers can come here legally, none will enter the country illegally and need to use student visa anymore, the commissioner said.
He further said that they have held several government-level meetings in Malaysia and Bangladesh’s labor market has been increasing there too.
Malaysia government is sincere to strengthen their relations with Bangladesh, he added.
The commissioner warned the manpower agents and people who bring workers to Malaysia on student visa saying that he will go tough against them.
However, cautionary actions on the issue are also necessary from Bangladesh side too, Shahidul told banglanews.
About his duty, the commissioner said that he is getting himself socialized with everyone there and trying to understand them and finding out the challenges.
The maximum service to Bangladesh citizen there will be ensured and stern actions will also be taken to mitigate any problem, vowed Shahidul.
BDST: 1620 HRS, APR 18, 2015
HB/RR/SMS
