Malaysia and Bangladesh boost cultural ties for stronger bilateral relations
'Cultural festivities can be an important and effective tool to connect communities. Bangladesh and Malaysia enjoy cordial relations and share many similarities, including dietary habits, race, and other aspects,' Ahsan said during the Bangladesh Festival, organised by the High Commission of Bangladesh in Malaysia. The event showcased dance, music, and cultural expressions to promote appreciation of Bangladeshi heritage among Malaysians.
Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), emphasised the significance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening ties. 'Culture and diversity play a vital role in building peace and promoting friendship and inclusion. We offer a platform for Bangladeshis to share their heritage, while enabling Malaysians to experience its richness,' he said.
Shaharuddin added that MOTAC would continue collaborating with foreign missions to promote Malaysia's cultural outreach, including the upcoming Malaysia Festival in 2026. These efforts align with Malaysia's goal of positioning itself as a cultural hub, complementing its natural attractions. The 'Visit Malaysia' campaign further underscores the nation's commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering international friendships.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Bangladesh ready to help in probe into militant network
PETALING JAYA: Bangladesh has offered to help in any investigations after the arrest of 36 of its nationals over their alleged involvement in a radical militant network. In a statement Saturday (July 5), the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said its government is closely monitoring developments and its High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is in close communication with the relevant Malaysian authorities. The ministry reiterates its firm stand against all forms of terrorism, violent extremism and militancy, while it remains ready to extend full cooperation to the Malaysian authorities in the matter. "The Bangladesh High Commission extends any necessary support to expatriate Bangladeshis wherever needed." Following the arrests, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry also said its High Commission in Kuala Lumpur had immediately engaged with the relevant Malaysian authorities and formally requested the identities of the individuals and information regarding the allegations against them. It acknowledged that out of those arrested, five have been charged in Malaysian courts. "The rest are in the process of either further investigation or deportation." On Friday (July 4), Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said a recently dismantled Bangladeshi militant group was found collecting funds to support Islamic State (IS) cells in Syria and Bangladesh. He revealed that intelligence gathering and investigations by the Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division (E8) found that the group had amassed funds for IS activities in these countries.
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Johari Ghani: Umno needs new strategy for GE16 to win over youth
BATU PAHAT: Umno needs new strategies for the 16th General Election (GE16) that target the younger generation, who make up nearly 40 per cent of voters. Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the party could no longer rely on its track record in nation-building to convince young voters. He said the next election would be a real test to determine whether Umno could evolve with the times, especially in understanding the younger generation, or remain stuck in old ways. "Umno has a strong track record after governing the country for 60 years and building an education system for all Malaysians. "But I remind Umno members that while we had great success and have an outstanding record of achievement, the younger generation no longer looks at past accomplishments and a party's legacy. "They assess leaders' commitment to future issues, including environmental matters and the integrity of the leadership." Johari said this after officiating at the Parit Sulong Umno division meeting here today. Present were Parit Sulong Umno division chief Datuk Zulkurnain Kamisan and Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad. Johari, who is plantation and commodities minister, said Umno must accept that the younger generation does not judge a party based on its past success, but rather on what it offers for the future. "The younger generation wants leaders who not only fight for their interests, but who also care about global issues. "They place great emphasis on the integrity and credibility of leaders. They want to see real commitment in championing the people's cause. That is what they will evaluate." He said there has been a significant shift in how the younger generation thinks. "Young people view things through a different lens and have a different mindset from the older generation." He said the party's wings, particularly Youth and Puteri, must serve as a bridge between the older and younger generations. "These wings play a crucial role in ensuring that Umno's future strategies position young people as part of the party's struggle. "The voices of the youth must be given space so they can become a valuable source of input for the party's leadership. "Youth input will create awareness and inspire leaders, including myself.
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Bangladeshi militant group dismantled, other elements yet to be detected
KOTA KINABALU: Police have confirmed that the Bangladeshi Radical Militant Group (GMRB), spreading extremist beliefs and ideology among Bangladeshi in the country, has been successfully dismantled. Special Branch Deputy Director I of Bukit Aman, Datuk Ahmad Ramdzan Daud, said this followed a coordinated operation launched by the police since April, with all members of the foreign militant group now in custody. "As of now, I can say that the Bangladeshi militant group, GMRB, has been dismantled. "However, we believe there are still other militant elements yet to be detected, and that will be detailed in due course," he said when met after the graduation ceremony for the 78th Basic Police Training Programme Series 5/2025 at Sabah police headquarters today. He added that one of the main challenges to combat such movements like GRMB was due to the use of social media as a platform to recruit new members and spread extremist ideology. "Some of them (GMRB) were recruited through social media. It has become the main platform for spreading radical beliefs silently. "(As such), we must enhance our capabilities in terms of technology and cyber monitoring so that such activities can be detected earlier," he said. He also said that despite social media being an important communication tool for the public, it has now become a key weapon for foreign militants. "Social media can serve as the eyes and ears of the public for us, but at the same time, it is also being manipulated for extremist purposes. "We are doing our best to carry out our duties with a strong focus on serving the community," he said. Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the militant movement based on Islamic State (IS) extremist beliefs and violent ideology used social media and messaging applications to spread their ideology, recruit new members and collect funds. He also said the group focused their efforts on recruiting Bangladeshis who worked in factories, petrol stations and construction sites. It was reported that police detained 36 Bangladeshi nationals recently. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail was quoted as saying the planned security operation, which began on April 24, was carried out in three phases in Selangor and Johor. Of those detained, five individuals have been charged under Section 4A of the Offences Relating to Terrorism (Chapter VIA) of the Penal Code in the Shah Alam and Johor Baru Sessions Courts. Another 15 people have been issued deportation orders, while 16 others are under investigation for involvement in the militant movement. Intelligence gathered by the Special Branch revealed that the group had introduced IS-inspired ideology into the country and had formed recruitment cells within their community. Saifuddin said that Malaysia would not serve as a haven or staging ground for any foreign extremist movement.
