MBTACN launched to boost Malaysia-Bangladesh tourism, cultural ties

Launched under the slogan ‘Bridging People. Celebrating Culture. Inspiring Tourism,’ the network aims to connect stakeholders from tourism, culture, arts, education, healthcare, business and youth sectors.

Hazwan Hasnol, Chargé d’Affaires of the High Commission of Malaysia in Dhaka, attended the ceremony as the Guest of Honour and said the theme of MBTACN was particularly relevant as Malaysia and Bangladesh continue efforts to promote their tourism potential and unique cultural identities.

“MBTACN can serve as an important bridge between these tourism initiatives, helping Malaysia discover Beautiful Bangladesh while encouraging more Bangladeshis to experience Malaysia Truly Asia,” he said.

Referring to Visit Malaysia 2026, which has been extended into 2027, Hasnol said the campaign provides a platform to showcase Malaysia’s multicultural society, rich heritage, natural beauty, gastronomy and hospitality.

He also highlighted Bangladesh’s tourism attractions, including the Sundarbans, Cox’s Bazar, rivers, tea gardens, historical sites, cuisine and cultural traditions.

Hasnol also highlighted Malaysia’s Year of Medical Tourism 2026, saying the country offers world-class medical treatment, advanced technology, internationally recognised healthcare professionals and competitive pricing.

He called for closer cooperation among hospitals, healthcare facilitators, travel agencies, hotels and tourism operators, alongside business-to-business cooperation, joint tourism packages, cultural exchanges and educational partnerships.

Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui, Chief Executive Officer of the Bangladesh Tourism Board, attended the programme as the Special Guest. Syed Yahya Syed Othman, former Regional Director of Tourism Malaysia and a founding member of MBTACN, joined the ceremony virtually from Putrajaya, Malaysia, and delivered his remarks through a video message.

The welcome address was delivered by François Chambraud, Director of Alliance Française de Dhaka, while Md. Abdus Samad, Senior Adviser of MBTACN, chaired the session.

Abu Sufian, Executive Chairman of MBTACN and Editor and Publisher of Travel Magazine VROMON, is leading the initiative and moderated the ceremony.

According to the organisers, MBTACN will promote cultural festivals, art and photography exhibitions, film and literary exchanges, culinary programmes, student and academic exchanges, tourism cooperation, healthcare connections and youth initiatives.

The network seeks to build on the longstanding friendship, travel, professional engagement and cultural exchanges between Malaysia and Bangladesh by turning individual relationships into broader institutional and people-to-people cooperation.

Hasnol also acknowledged the contribution of Travel Magazine VROMON and its editor and publisher Abu Sufian to promote exchanges between Malaysia and Bangladesh.

The speakers expressed hope that MBTACN would become a lasting platform for tourism cooperation, cultural exchange, education, youth engagement and stronger people-to-people ties between the two countries, reports UNB.