Diplomatic Desk:
The Second Meeting of the SAARC Inter-Governmental Expert Group on Poverty Alleviation to finalize the first SAARC Development Report with the theme “SDR 2025: Shaping the Future Together for a Resilient SAARC” was held in Malé, Maldives on 22–23 April 2026.
The SAARC meeting was hosted by the Government of the Maldives with administrative support of the SAARC Secretariat and financial and technical support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The meeting was chaired by Ali Rasheed, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises of the Republic of Maldives.
The meeting was attended by delegations from the SAARC member states comprising senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ministries responsible for development issues.
Delegations from the member states presented their respective national perspectives and priorities for SAARC development, highlighting in particular their visions of a resilient SAARC through deepened regional collaboration aimed at addressing shared vulnerabilities, fostering collective resilience, and promoting inclusive growth across the region. Above all, they emphasized revitalizing the SAARC process to ensure the well-being and mutual benefits of the SAARC region and its people.
The Bangladesh delegation was comprised of Dr. Monzur Hossain, Member (Secretary), General Economics Division of the Planning Commission; Director General of SAARC & BIMSTEC Wing of the Foreign Ministry; and National Focal Point (NFP) of Bangladesh to SAARC, S. M. Mahbubul Alam.
The delegation stressed the revitalization of SAARC, and member states echoed the same sentiments and spirit of a visible, functional, and resilient SAARC—reflecting the dreams and aspirations of over two billion people of the South Asian region.
