Desk Report:
Leaders of the SAARC Journalists Forum (SJF) met at the office of S.M. Mahbubul Alam, Director General of the SAARC and BIMSTEC Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday (January 20, 2026) to discuss ways to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and enhance cooperation among member states.
The SJF delegation, led by SJF Bangladesh Chapter President Nasir Al Mamun and General Secretary Shiabur Rahman (Shihab), participated in the meeting. The delegation also included SJF Central Secretary General Abdur Rahman, Bangladesh Chapter Vice Presidents Asif Hasan Nabi and Md. Shariful Islam, Treasurer Reza Mahmud and Advisor Mostaq Ahmed Mubaraki.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the current state of SAARC and stressed the need for urgent revitalization to make the regional organization more effective in addressing common challenges faced by South Asian countries. The discussion highlighted that despite political complications, SAARC remains an important platform for regional peacebuilding, economic integration, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts.
The SJF leaders stressed the need to depoliticize the process of regional cooperation and strengthen effective cooperation in areas such as trade, climate change, public health, education, media cooperation and preservation of cultural heritage. They highlighted the role of journalists and media organizations in enhancing mutual understanding, countering misinformation and shaping public opinion towards regional cooperation.
Director General S.M. Mahbubul Alam appreciated the constructive role of professional organizations like the SAARC Journalists Forum in keeping the spirit of regional cooperation alive. He reiterated Bangladesh’s continued commitment to SAARC and said that increased engagement between civil society, media and professional forums can help revitalize SAARC as a complement to diplomatic efforts.
The meeting also discussed the potential contribution of media-led initiatives in promoting dialogue among SAARC countries. Director of the Ministry’s Public Diplomacy Wing AHM Masum Billah and Assistant Secretary of the SAARC and BIMSTEC Wing Md. Noor-e-Shahan Raj were also present at the meeting.
In addition, members of the SAARC Journalists Forum Bangladesh Chapter, who recently participated in the International Conference on ‘International Mother Language and International Awards-2026’ held in Nalanda, India on January 4-5, shared their experiences with officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The participants highlighted the importance of cultural and linguistic cooperation, which will play a helpful role in strengthening regional ties and enhancing mutual respect among South Asian countries.
