Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday urged Malaysia to play an active role in supporting Bangladesh’s bid to join ASEAN, during a high-level meeting with Nurul Izzah Anwar, Vice President of Malaysia’s People’s Justice Party and daughter of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The meeting took place at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, where Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s aspiration to become a sectoral dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with the goal of eventually achieving full membership.

“We want to become a part of ASEAN, and we will be needing your support,” Yunus told Nurul Izzah, adding that Bangladesh hopes Malaysia, as the current ASEAN chair, will lead efforts to move the application forward.

Bangladesh formally applied for sectoral dialogue partner status in 2020, but progress has been slow.

At the outset of the meeting, Nurul Izzah extended condolences for the recent fighter jet crash near Milestone School in Dhaka that claimed multiple lives. “It’s a tragic and sad event for our country,” Yunus replied, thanking her for the gesture.

He also congratulated Nurul Izzah on her new position in Malaysia’s political leadership. “Congratulations on becoming the Vice President of your political party,” he said.

Yunus briefed the Malaysian leader on Bangladesh’s current political transformation, highlighting the Interim Government’s reform agenda and the events that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

“We are going through a reform process. Our students took bullets on their chests and ousted the fascist Hasina regime. What began as a youth-led uprising quickly turned into a national movement,” he said.

“Students painted the walls and streets with the spirit of the July Uprising,” he added, describing the widespread public support behind the transition.

Calling attention to Bangladesh’s young and dynamic workforce, Yunus invited Malaysian companies to explore investment opportunities in the country.

“Asia is ageing rapidly, but Bangladesh remains youthful. Half of our population is under 27. Set up your industries here and export globally — it will benefit both our economies,” he said.

Also present during the meeting were Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy for International Affairs, and Lamiya Morshed, Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator.

The visit comes at a time when Bangladesh is actively seeking stronger regional ties and increased international recognition, particularly from influential ASEAN members.