Bangladesh eyes on territorial integrity at CSC
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Bangladesh at the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) held in Delhi on Thursday stressed that the CSA countries should follow organization’s Charter, namely sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and non-interference.
While addressing the 7th meeting of the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), hosted by India, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman also called for collective action of CSC member states to confront cyber security, misinformation and disinformation challenges, a statement issued by CA office said.
“I am pleased to note that Bangladesh has been participating in some of the CSC activities and will continue to do so in the future, based on the principles enshrined in the Charter of the organisation, namely sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and non-interference,” he said.
He also said, “Bangladesh recognises the importance of the five identified pillars of the Conclave’s work and the important role that CSC can play along these pillars in enhancing collective security, regiaonal stability and shared prosperity for all members of the region.”
Regarding the regional security, he said, “Bangladesh has been steadfastly playing its dual role in this regard.
We are working alongside regional nations to enhance maritime safety and security, combat piracy and other organised maritime crimes and terrorism, as well as to ensure cybersecurity.”
Zooming in the global terrorism, Khalilur said, “Bangladesh has consistently condemned global terrorism. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of terrorism, under any circumstance.”
“With growing digitalization and technological developments, including artificial intelligence, the menace of cybercrime is affecting all our countries. Cybersecurity is thus a high priority in Bangladesh,” he said.
Regarding misinformation and disinformation, he said, “Of late, we have been facing constant barrage of misinformation and disinformation.
We are committed towards security our own cyberspace, critical infrastructure and technology, not only for the safety of our citizens.”
“We need to articulate and implement our collective actions in facing up to the challenges of cybersecurity, misinformation and disinformation, and I look forward to CSC’s actions in this regard,” he added.
About regional security, he said, “As we navigate the complexities of regional. Let us reaffirm our commitment to uphold the principles of mutual trust and respect, mutually of interests and sharing of benefits.”
Regarding Indian Ocean, he said that Bangladesh is ready to work hand in hand to ensure a stable, secure, peaceful and prosperous India Ocean region, and to confront common challenges.
“We do not afford to allow any exogenous or indigenous forces to challenge the security and well-being of our community and any part thereof,” he added.
“As a litoral state of the Bay of Bengal, stability, peace and prosperity in the India Ocean region is a key element of our national interest,” he added.
Before concluding his speech, Khalilur expressed that Bangladesh continues to stand ready to find common grounds to address common issues based on mutual trust and openness.
“Bangladesh looks at the Conclave to evolve into an open, inclusive regional multilateral organisation, driven by a vision of open regionalism.
Member states of CSA include India, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Seychelles participated as an observer state, and Malaysia was invited as a guest at the Conclave in this edition.