BD supports SAARC revival push
Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has called for the revival of SAARC and stronger regional cooperation, saying Bangladesh remains committed to promoting peace and integration amid changing global and regional challenges.
Speaking to TRT World on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye, he said Bangladesh’s recent democratic transition has laid a strong foundation for stable governance and a forward-looking foreign policy.
He described the transition as “historic,” marked by a peaceful election, strong public mandate, and active democratic institutions including parliament, civil society, and a free press.
Highlighting the region’s low level of economic integration, Rahman noted that intra-regional trade in South Asia stands at only about five percent despite the region housing nearly a quarter of the world’s population.
He recalled the contribution of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in initiating regional cooperation and said the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) remains a key foreign policy priority of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
He added that dialogue and diplomacy are essential to overcoming regional barriers and unlocking South Asia’s potential.
On global peace, the minister said Bangladesh’s peace strategy begins with domestic stability, followed by regional cooperation and constructive engagement in addressing long-standing issues such as the Rohingya crisis. He said Bangladesh is maintaining communication with all relevant stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution.
Rahman also emphasized Bangladesh’s longstanding role in UN peacekeeping missions, noting that Bangladeshi peacekeepers contribute not only to security but also to community development by helping build infrastructure such as roads and schools.
Describing Bangladesh-Türkiye relations as “exceptional and special,” he expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defence, and education.
He further highlighted the importance of the Bangladeshi diaspora, calling them a key driver of national development through remittances, skills, and global engagement, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening ties with expatriate communities.
