Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia An informal and cordial conversation took place between Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Kazi Riaz Rahman, Founder and Executive Director of MASTUL Foundation, a humanitarian organization from Bangladesh, on the sidelines of an international conference in Kuala Lumpur. What began as an unexpected meeting turned into a warm exchange on Bangladesh-Malaysia relations, humanitarian initiatives, assistance for Gaza, and the longstanding people-to-people ties between the two countries. During the conference, Kazi Riaz Rahman introduced himself to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and shared that he had travelled from Bangladesh to participate in the international gathering. Upon hearing that he was from Bangladesh, the Prime Minister showed keen interest and asked about the organization he represented. Introducing MASTUL Foundation, Kazi Riaz Rahman explained that the organization has been working since 2012 to improve the lives of disadvantaged and marginalized communities through initiatives in education, food security, healthcare, self-reliance, and humanitarian assistance. He also briefed the Prime Minister on MASTUL Foundation’s recent humanitarian efforts to support people affected by the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed interest in MASTUL Foundation’s humanitarian work in Gaza. He noted that various Malaysian organizations are also engaged in humanitarian assistance in Gaza and discussed the possibility of greater communication and collaboration between organizations from the two countries. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among humanitarian organizations across countries to support people affected by humanitarian crises. During the conversation, Kazi Reaz Rahman expressed gratitude to Malaysia on behalf of the people of Bangladesh, particularly acknowledging the contribution of Bangladeshi workers and expatriates in Malaysia. He highlighted Malaysia’s important role in creating employment opportunities for Bangladeshis and strengthening people-to-people relations between the two countries. In response, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged the contribution of Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia’s development and economy, noting the important role they have played in Malaysia’s progress. He also recalled memories of his visits to Bangladesh, including his recollection of visiting the Mouchak area of Dhaka, and spoke warmly of his personal connection with Bangladesh.Before concluding the conversation, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his interest in visiting Bangladesh again in the near future. Reflecting on the meeting, Kazi Reaz Rahman said, “Having the opportunity to speak directly with the Prime Minister of Malaysia while representing Bangladesh at an international conference was a deeply memorable experience for me. His warmth towards Bangladesh, recognition of the contributions of Bangladeshis, and interest in humanitarian initiatives were particularly inspiring.” He added “Such a sincere conversation with a global leader, beyond the formalities of an international conference, was significant not only personally but also for me as a Bangladeshi and a humanitarian worker. The encouragement I received will inspire me to work with greater responsibility for the people of Bangladesh and in international humanitarian initiatives.” MASTUL Foundation stated that presenting Bangladesh’s humanitarian initiatives on international platforms and creating opportunities for engagement and collaboration with humanitarian organizations and stakeholders from different countries are important parts of its efforts to expand its humanitarian work. The Foundation views the informal exchange with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as a meaningful experience that may contribute to stronger people-to-people relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia, greater humanitarian cooperation, and future opportunities for collaborative initiatives at the international level.