Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman May Choose Malaysia Over China for First Official Foreign Visit
Dhaka signals a balanced diplomatic approach as speculation grows over Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s maiden overseas trip
New Delhi, June 3, 2026: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is likely to visit Malaysia instead of China for his first official foreign trip since taking office, according to sources linked to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Initial reports had suggested that Rahman could travel to China between June 20 and 26. However, recent developments indicate that Kuala Lumpur may now become the destination for his maiden bilateral visit, with June 21–22 emerging as the most likely dates. Reports also suggest that June 18 remains under consideration, though the itinerary has not yet been finalized.
The move is being viewed as part of Bangladesh’s carefully balanced diplomatic strategy. Political analysts believe that choosing China for the first foreign visit could have been interpreted as a clear tilt toward Beijing, especially at a time when India has also extended an official invitation to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister.
Against this backdrop, selecting Malaysia as the first destination is being seen as an effort to maintain strategic equilibrium between regional powers while strengthening ties with an important Muslim-majority nation in Southeast Asia.
The possibility of a Malaysia visit gained momentum after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim extended an invitation to Rahman in April. During discussions, Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to expanding cooperation with Bangladesh in sectors such as trade, investment, labor, education, and economic partnerships.
Experts suggest that if Malaysia indeed becomes Rahman’s first bilateral destination, it may also send positive signals regarding India-Bangladesh relations, which have faced challenges following the political transition in Dhaka after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down from power.
According to Bangladeshi officials, five major Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have already been signed between the two nations this year, reflecting ongoing diplomatic engagement despite recent tensions.
Notably, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was among the first foreign leaders to visit Bangladesh following the political changes in the country, a move widely viewed as diplomatic support during Dhaka’s transitional phase.
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