Malaysia seeks deeper tourism ties with Bangladesh: envoy

"Over the decades, our relationship has grown and expanded across trade and investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange. This partnership continues to be strengthened through regular engagements at the highest levels," he said.  

The envoy was speaking at a gala dinner organised to mark the Malaysia Tourism Fair in Dhaka on Saturday evening at a city hotel. 

The high commissioner said Malaysia looks forward to welcoming more Bangladeshi travellers in the coming years, noting that tourism serves as a bridge that brings societies closer through food, culture, heritage and shared experiences.

Othman said the Festival Malaysia celebration showcases the "colours, flavours and rhythms of Malaysian multicultural harmony", adding that cultural exchanges play an essential role in reinforcing the warm relationship between the two countries.

He recalled recent high-level visits including the Malaysian Prime Minister's official trip to Dhaka and the Bangladesh Chief Adviser's visit to Kuala Lumpur which, he said, reaffirmed the two governments' commitment to strengthening cooperation across tourism, investment, education and cultural exchange.

The High Commissioner highlighted Malaysia's growing global connectivity, noting that Kuala Lumpur International Airport was recently ranked among the world's most connected airports.

 This, he said, positions Malaysia as a strengthening regional hub for travel, trade and investment.

Education Adviser Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar attended as Guest of honor at the event which also gathered tourism stakeholders and envoys from various diplomatic missions and Adviser Abrar, Othman thanked partners including the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia, MATRADE, Malaysia Airlines and InterContinental Dhaka for supporting the festival.

Earlier in the day, while inaugurating the Malaysia Tourism Fair and the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 promotional campaign, Othman announced Malaysia's target of attracting 300,000 Bangladeshi tourists in 2026, reports BSS. 

He said Bangladesh remains "one of Malaysia's strongest and fastest-growing tourist markets" and emphasised that smoother travel depends on proper use of the official e-Visa system.

Addressing concerns over travellers turned back at Malaysian immigration, he stressed that the e-Visa process is "systematic and straightforward" when completed directly through the official portal, cautioning that third-party submissions may cause discrepancies leading to complications, including blacklisting.

He urged Bangladeshi citizens to apply only through the official e-Visa site, which is regularly shared on the High Commission's social media platforms, and assured that the mission remains available to assist travellers seeking guidance.

A total of 22 organisations, including airlines, tour operators, education institutions and medical service providers-participated in the fair. The campaign aims to promote Malaysia's cultural vibrancy and strengthen tourism and friendship between the two nations under the theme "Malaysia Truly Asia - Visit Malaysia 2026."