Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Dhaka for Malaysia on Sunday afternoon on his first official foreign visit since assuming office, marking a significant step in Bangladesh’s diplomatic engagement with key regional partners.

The Prime Minister departed for Kuala Lumpur at 2:45 pm from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He is accompanied by his spouse, Dr Zubaida Rahman, along with a 25-member delegation comprising Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Labour and Employment Minister Arifur Rahman Chowdhury, other cabinet members, advisers, senior government officials and personal staff.

Officials see the Malaysia visit as an important diplomatic initiative aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s economic partnership, attracting foreign investment and enhancing regional connectivity.

Following his Malaysia visit, Prime Minister Tarique will travel directly to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang for another official visit.

During the China visit, Bangladesh and China are expected to sign around 15 to 17 bilateral instruments, including 13 memorandums of understanding (MoUs), two agreements, a protocol and an action plan.

Prime Minister Tarique is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Premier Li on June 25, while a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected on June 26.

The Prime Minister is expected to return home on Friday after concluding his official visits to Malaysia and China.