Malaysia-Bangladesh Tourism, Arts and Cultural Network launched in Dhaka

Dhaka: The Malaysia-Bangladesh Tourism, Arts and Cultural Network (MBTACN) was formally launched in Dhaka, creating a new platform to strengthen people-to-people ties and expand cooperation between Malaysia and Bangladesh.

The launch event was held at Alliance Française de Dhaka on September 28, bringing together stakeholders from tourism, culture, arts, and other sectors, according to a press release.

The network aims to build on the longstanding friendship, travel links, professional engagement, and cultural exchanges between the two countries and transform these personal connections into broader institutional and people-centered cooperation.

MBTACN plans to facilitate cultural festivals, art and photography exhibitions, film and literary exchanges, culinary events, student and academic exchanges, tourism cooperation, healthcare linkages, and youth initiatives.

Under the slogan “Bridging People. Celebrating Culture. Inspiring Tourism," the network aims to promote meaningful collaboration and exchange of experiences while contributing to stronger Malaysia-Bangladesh relations.

Hazwan Hasnol, Chargé d’Affaires of the Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka, attended the launch as the guest of honor, while Barrister Md. Mutasim Billah Farooqi, Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB), attended as a special guest.

Sayed Yahya Sayed Othman, Former Regional Director of Tourism Malaysia and a founding member of MBTACN, joined the event virtually from Putrajaya and delivered a video message.

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

Led by Abu Sufian, Executive Chairman of MBTACN and Editor and Publisher of travel magazine VROMON, the network will work to connect tourism, education, culture, healthcare, arts, business, youth, research, and community engagement between the two countries.