Bangladesh new BIMSTEC chair
Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh assumed the chairmanship of BIMSTEC for the next two years, reaffirming its commitment to advancing regional cooperation and development.
Upon receiving the Chairmanship from Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Chief Adviser made a statement of acceptance, underscoring an inclusive and action-oriented BIMSTEC.
Meanwhile, Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh joined the BIMSTEC leaders at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit held on Friday in Bangkok, Thailand.
Leaders (Heads of Government) of BIMSTEC Member States unanimously adopted the Bangkok Declaration and the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision, a strategic roadmap aimed at guiding the organisation toward sustainable development and deeper economic integration.
Chief Adviser outlined Bangladesh’s vision and priorities for BIMSTEC in his statement.
Reaffirming his government’s unwavering commitment, he assured that Bangladesh remains steadfast in upholding the constitutional rights of all its citizens, including women and members of ethnic and religious minorities.
He emphasized the urgent need to implement the BIMSTEC Framework Agreement on FTA and stressed the importance of executing the BIMSTEC Master Plan on Transport Connectivity.
He also called for more visible and proactive measures by BIMSTEC to
engage Myanmar in fostering stability in the Rakhine State, thereby creating a conducive environment for the return of forcibly displaced Rohingyas to their land.
Soon after taking over as BIMSTEC Chair at the sixth summit, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus instructed Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey to initiate a BIMSTEC Youth Festival aimed at connecting young people across member states.
In a meeting following the summit, Yunus emphasised the need for a separate youth gathering alongside the next BIMSTEC summit, scheduled to be held in Dhaka in two years.
“A youth meeting during the summit will help bring our young people together,” he said.
He further proposed that each member country contribute to the youth festival, with one taking the lead in organizing.
“This initiative will foster greater regional unity among the next generation,” Yunus noted.
Secretary General Pandey welcomed the suggestions, calling them “fantastic ideas” and promising full support for implementation.
Dr. Yunus also asked about the progress of the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement negotiations, CA’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told the media.