Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin has instructed the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur to strengthen its diplomatic efforts to secure Sectoral Dialogue Partner status with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"Bangladesh has been trying hard to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, and for this, several notable measures have already been taken," he said at a views-exchange meeting held at the high commission's new chancery building yesterday, according to a statement shared on the mission's Facebook page today.

He highlighted the "warm political relations" between Bangladesh and Malaysia, which holds the chairmanship of the 10-nation ASEAN bloc this year.

The foreign secretary made a stopover in Kuala Lumpur en route to an official visit to Singapore, the statement said.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Shameem Ahsan welcomed him with a floral bouquet.

At the beginning of his speech, Jashim Uddin paid homage to the martyrs of the July uprising and expressed satisfaction with the high commission's activities.

He emphasised that ensuring the welfare and creating job opportunities for Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia are key responsibilities of the mission.

In this regard, he directed mission officials to maintain close communication with the Malaysian government and other stakeholders to resolve the issues faced by around 18,000 Bangladeshi migrant workers who, despite having valid visas, have not been able to enter Malaysia.

He also said that plans are underway to open consulate general offices in several Malaysian cities with significant Bangladeshi populations.

The foreign secretary urged the mission to focus not only on bilateral diplomacy but also on enhancing people-to-people connectivity, expanding trade and investment, supporting the welfare of expatriates, and boosting public diplomacy.

Referring to the recently concluded Bangladesh Investment Summit in Dhaka, he said the country is now open for foreign investment and directed mission officials to encourage Malaysian investors in this regard.

He also called for improved services for expatriate Bangladeshis, especially regarding passports, and added that the foreign ministry is working to increase staffing at the high commission.