Diplomatic Desk:
A colorful program was organized in the capital Dhaka on Monday (June 8, 2026) evening at the initiative of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to celebrate the 29th Anniversary of BIMSTEC. Business In Bangladesh Editor Engr. Mohammad Shajibul-Al-Rajib, participated as an invited guest at the program.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam MP was present as the chief guest at the program. 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 as well as building 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 in institutional strengthening and strategic planning.”
BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey delivered a special speech at the event. The Secretary General said that the BIMSTEC Charter and Bangkok Vision-2030 have set the future direction of the organization. Currently, cooperative activities are being conducted 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.”
Business In Bangladesh Editor Engr. Mohammad Shajibul-Al-Rajib exchanged courtesy calls with ambassadors, high commissioners, diplomats of various countries at the event.
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 event. The event was celebrated by cutting a cake. During this time, various cultural performances of BIMSTEC countries were performed.
