Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh is prepared for a high-level meeting between the interim government’s Chief Adviser, Dr Muhammad Yunus, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. However, the final confirmation depends on India’s response, which Dhaka is eagerly awaiting.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin confirmed Bangladesh’s readiness for the potential meeting while discussing the Chief Adviser’s forthcoming visits to China and Thailand.
When asked about the possibility of a Yunus-Modi meeting, the Foreign Secretary stated, “We consider any high-level engagement with another country to be important. Given the current state of our relations with India, this meeting holds particular significance.
If it takes place, we believe it could help overcome the stagnation in our bilateral ties.”
He further emphasised, “From our side, we are fully prepared for this meeting. We are now awaiting a positive response from India.”
In response to whether Bangladesh’s readiness suggested that Delhi was yet to confirm its position, Jashim Uddin remarked, “Whether Delhi is prepared or not is for them to decide. We are looking forward to this meeting.”
Bangladesh has officially conveyed its interest in the discussion, and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently acknowledged that New Delhi is considering the request.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh is set to assume the chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) for the next two years during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled for 4 April in Bangkok.
According to the Foreign Ministry, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus will arrive in Bangkok on 3 April to attend the summit. Prior to the main event, Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin will participate in the 25th BIMSTEC Senior Officials’ Meeting on 2 April, while Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain will attend the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on 3 April.
On the same day, Dr Yunus will deliver a keynote speech at the BIMSTEC Young Generation Forum: Where the Future Meets, an event designed to engage young leaders in shaping the region’s future.
With the theme “Pro BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open BIMSTEC,” this year’s summit will focus on strengthening regional cooperation in trade, energy, defence, human security, agriculture, tourism, and disaster preparedness.
Leaders from BIMSTEC member states will deliberate on strategies to improve the quality of life in the region and issue a joint declaration outlining their commitments.
A key highlight of the summit is the anticipated signing of a Maritime Transport Cooperation Agreement, aimed at enhancing commercial shipping and economic ties among member nations.
Speaking about the significance of the summit, the Foreign Secretary stated, “This is a pivotal moment for Bangladesh as we step into a leadership role within BIMSTEC. It provides an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation and establish Bangladesh as a just and inclusive nation within South and Southeast Asia.”
The summit is expected to further solidify Bangladesh’s relations with BIMSTEC member countries while playing a vital role in advancing regional peace, stability, and economic development.
