Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to make his first official foreign trip as head of government, choosing Malaysia over invitations from both India and China.

The first invitation came from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who sent a letter inviting Tarique Rahman to visit New Delhi shortly after the February election. 

Similar invitations were later extended by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

However, Tarique Rahman has selected Malaysia for his inaugural overseas visit as prime minister.

Officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said preparations are underway for a two-day official visit to Kuala Lumpur on 21 and 22 June at the invitation of Anwar Ibrahim.

According to diplomatic sources and officials at the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian government formally confirmed the visit in a letter sent on Monday (1 June).

Discussions are underway to arrange a bilateral meeting between the two leaders on 22 June, the second day of the visit.

The agenda and detailed schedule of the trip have yet to be finalized. Diplomatic sources in Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur said the programme is expected to be finalized sometime next week.