Desk Report:
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emphasized the importance of dialogue, partnership, and mutual respect in strengthening regional and global cooperation, while highlighting various national priorities for Bangladesh—including the protection of national interests, economic stability, institutional reforms, investment, and social safety nets.
He made these remarks this morning (Saturday, October 3, 2026) while inaugurating the three-day international conference, ‘Bay of Bengal Conversation (BOBC) 2026,’ at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital.
In his inaugural address, the Prime Minister highlighted key issues such as the protection of national interests and economic stability, alongside institutional reforms, investment, social safety nets, development in the health and education sectors, youth employment, agriculture, water management, and environmental protection.
He also outlined Bangladesh’s priorities regarding the Rohingya crisis and regional cooperation centered on the Bay of Bengal. He stressed the need to advance regional peace, stability, and sustainable development by fostering cooperation among nations based on mutual interest and respect.
The ‘Bay of Bengal Conversation’ is being held for the fifth time, organized by the research institution Centre for Governance Studies (CGS). The three-day conference will feature discussions on various contemporary global and regional issues, including geopolitics, security, technology, the economy, climate change, human security, democracy, and good governance.
According to the organizers, this year’s conference involves approximately 200 speakers, over 300 delegates, and more than 1,000 participants from over a hundred countries. Policymakers, diplomats, researchers, academics, experts, and civil society representatives from various nations are participating in the conference sessions.
Former President of Serbia Boris Tadić and former Prime Minister of Mali Moussa Mara, along with diplomats, policymakers, researchers, and experts from various countries, were present at the inaugural session of the conference.
