Diplomatic Desk:
The speakers called for BIMSTEC to be developed as a more effective regional cooperation platform to ensure peace, stability and shared prosperity in the Bay of Bengal region. They said that BIMSTEC can be made a more effective and fruitful organization through institutional capacity building, development of communication systems, expansion of trade and investment and practical cooperation.
These remarks were made at a seminar titled “Three Decades of BIMSTEC: Advancing Regional Cooperation for Shared Prosperity” at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) auditorium in Dhaka on Monday (July 20, 2026). As Bangladesh currently holds the chairmanship of BIMSTEC, BIISS organized the seminar with the aim of information-based policy dialogue to strengthen regional cooperation for shared prosperity.
The seminar was chaired by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, MP. The BIMSTEC Secretary General Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey was present as a special guest. BIISS Director General Major General ASM Ridwanur Rahman, AWC, AFWC, PSC, G delivered the welcome address. BIISS Research Director Dr. Mahfuz Kabir presented the keynote address.
The panel discussion was attended by Professor Dr. Rasheduzzaman, Department of International Relations, Dhaka University, and Professor Dr. Kazi Maruful Islam, Director, Center on Budget and Policy, Dhaka University. The session was presided over by Major General ANM Muniruzzaman (Retd.), President, Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS).
The keynote address analyzed the progress, achievements, limitations and future prospects of BIMSTEC in the last three decades. The speakers emphasized on enhancing institutional capacity, developing regional connectivity, expanding economic cooperation and strengthening mutual cooperation in priority sectors. At the same time, they highlighted the need to take practical and action-oriented initiatives to ensure peace, stability, tolerance and sustainable development in the Bay of Bengal region.
In his speech as a special guest, BIMSTEC Secretary General Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey highlighted BIMSTEC’s ongoing activities and future plans in various areas including women’s empowerment, climate change adaptation, power grid interconnection, technical capacity building in the energy sector, security cooperation in drug control, cyber and maritime security, counter-terrorism and transnational crime, tourism, visa facilitation, trade and investment.
Chief guest Shama Obaed Islam said that Bangladesh is firmly committed to BIMSTEC to make the Bay of Bengal region a peaceful, resilient and prosperous region. He emphasized on effective implementation, pragmatic cooperation and strengthening institutional frameworks to translate regional commitments into tangible programs.
He further said that as the current chair of BIMSTEC, Bangladesh is committed to advancing economic integration, regional connectivity, trade, investment, blue economy and people-centric cooperation. He also expressed his determination to work closely with the member states to achieve the common goals of the organization.
In the open discussion of the seminar, participants highlighted the importance of regional connectivity, trade and investment, security cooperation, people-to-people connectivity and evidence-based policy dialogue. They also emphasized on further strengthening partnerships among member states.
The seminar was attended by senior officials of various ministries and government agencies, ambassadors and high commissioners, representatives of BIMSTEC member states and international organizations, academicians, researchers, university teachers and students, representatives of the armed forces, development partners, private sector partners, media workers and relevant individuals at the policy-making level.
