Bangladesh is committed to advancing regional cooperation through a dual strategy, with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam stating that both SAARC and BIMSTEC can operate effectively in tandem. She emphasized that these platforms are vital for the development of Bangladesh and the broader region. Her comments followed a seminar held at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in Dhaka on Monday afternoon.
The seminar, titled ‘Three Decades of BIMSTEC: Advancing Regional Cooperation for Shared Prosperity,’ prompted discussions on strengthening regional ties. Minister Obaed Islam highlighted that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was originally conceived by the late President Ziaur Rahman. Its purpose was to enhance regional connectivity, boost trade, and uplift the quality of life for people across South Asia. However, she noted that this initiative has faced significant challenges and lost much of its original drive.
The State Minister affirmed that the current government is determined to revitalize SAARC, a commitment outlined in its election manifesto. The aim is to ensure that the people, governments, and economies of Bangladesh and other member states derive tangible benefits from the organization.
Regarding the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Minister Obaed Islam described it as an important forum for multilateral collaboration. She pointed out that several BIMSTEC member nations are not part of SAARC, illustrating how the two bodies can naturally complement each other and operate concurrently. Bangladesh currently holds the chairmanship of BIMSTEC.
Addressing the seminar as the chief guest, Minister Obaed Islam reiterated Bangladesh’s strong dedication to BIMSTEC. She stressed the importance of transforming regional agreements into concrete actions through practical cooperation and stronger institutional frameworks. Bangladesh is committed to fostering a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Bay of Bengal region. Key areas of focus include economic integration, enhanced connectivity, trade, investment, the blue economy, and people-centered regional cooperation.
BIMSTEC Secretary-General Indra Mani Pandey, a special guest at the event, outlined the organization’s ongoing projects. These initiatives cover a wide range of areas, including women’s development, adapting to climate change, power transmission connections, and strengthening technical capacity in the energy sector. He also mentioned cooperation in security to combat drug trafficking, cybercrime, maritime and human security, counter-terrorism, and transnational crime, alongside efforts in tourism, visa facilitation, trade, and investment.
