Diplomatic Desk:
A grand function was organized in Dhaka on Monday (June 8, 2026) to mark the 29th founding anniversary of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Ministers, ambassadors, high commissioners, diplomats, development partners, academicians, businessmen and media representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand participated in the function.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam MP was present as the chief guest at the function. He said, “I am very happy to participate in this celebration of BIMSTEC Day. On behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh, I extend my warmest greetings to the governments and people of the member states.”
He said that regional cooperation is very important in Bangladesh’s foreign policy. In light of the “Bangladesh First” policy, the government is committed to promoting national development while also fostering mutual respect, sovereign equality and a peaceful environment.
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs mentioned that over the course of nearly three decades, BIMSTEC has become a unique bridge between South and Southeast Asia, representing more than 1.8 billion people. He said, “Bangladesh, as the current chair of BIMSTEC, is committed to actively leading the organization’s institutional strengthening and strategic planning.”
Referring to the Bangkok Vision-2050, BIMSTEC’s Rules of Procedure and the report of the Eminent Persons Group, he said that these initiatives have paved the way for transforming the organization into a more effective, rule-based and result-oriented organization.
Shama Obaid Islam emphasized on expanding trade, increasing investment, transferring technology, strengthening supply chains and diversifying export markets among member states. He called for the speedy finalization of the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (FTA).
Also emphasizing on strengthening multi-dimensional connectivity including roads, railways, ports, waterways, air connectivity, power grid and digital infrastructure, he said that people-to-people communication, education, culture, tourism, youth engagement and sports diplomacy will further strengthen the foundation of regional cooperation.
He also said, “Bangladesh wants to see an effective, visible and people-oriented BIMSTEC, which believes in tangible results and not just words.”
BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey delivered a special address at the event. He said, “I am very happy to welcome you to the celebration of the 29th anniversary of BIMSTEC Day. Today’s event also carries a special significance as the formal launch of the year-long celebrations to mark the 30th anniversary of the organization next year.”
He reminded that BIMSTEC’s journey began on June 6, 1997, with the Bangkok Declaration, initiated by Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Since then, the organization has been playing a significant role in strengthening regional cooperation in various sectors, including security and development.
The Secretary General said that the BIMSTEC Charter and the Bangkok Vision-2030 have set the future direction of the organization. Currently, cooperative activities are being carried out in 18 sectors and various joint working groups, expert groups and sub-groups are working to implement these activities.
He said, “BIMSTEC has given importance to its main objective – technical and economic cooperation and has kept political issues off the agenda. As a result, it has become a shining example of South-South cooperation.”
Indra Mani Pandey said that BIMSTEC is currently working closely with various international and regional organizations, including various UN agencies, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank.
He called on the member states to work together to build a stronger, results-oriented and people-centric BIMSTEC and expressed gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh for providing comprehensive support to the BIMSTEC Secretariat.
Speakers at the event said that it is essential to further strengthen cooperation and solidarity among BIMSTEC member states in these times of climate change, energy security, public health and geopolitical challenges. They reiterated their joint commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and connected Bay of Bengal region.
