Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid on Monday reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to elevating its historic, cultural and economic partnership with ASEAN member states to new heights for mutual benefit.
“Bangladesh shares longstanding ties with ASEAN member states rooted in history, culture and mutual trust,” the minister said, highlighting growing land and maritime connectivity, people-to-people contacts and trade relations.
Aminur made the remarks while addressing a reception as chief guest organised by the ASEAN Dhaka Committee (ADC), comprising heads of ASEAN diplomatic missions in Bangladesh, at Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel to mark the 59th ASEAN Day.
Highlighting the government’s diplomatic priorities, Aminur said the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attaches the highest importance to relations with all 11 ASEAN member states.
He noted that the Prime Minister chose Malaysia for his first official foreign visit, expressing hope that the trip would further strengthen bilateral ties and regional cooperation.
The minister said Bangladesh has formally applied to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner (SDP) of ASEAN as part of efforts to institutionalise and sustain closer engagement with the regional bloc.
He also highlighted several sectoral initiatives, including the ongoing $1 million Bangladesh-ASEAN Cooperation Project on Fisheries and Aquaculture implemented by his ministry.
Additional joint initiatives in tourism, ICT and culture are also in the pipeline, he said.
“ASEAN stands as one of the world’s most successful regional blocs. Formalising a closer association with the ASEAN family will render our relationship far more meaningful and multifaceted,” Aminur said.
He sought the active support of ASEAN envoys present at the reception for Bangladesh’s bid to secure SDP status.
Chair of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee and Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohammad Shuhada Othman, Philippine Ambassador Neena Padilla Cinglet, other ASEAN heads of mission, senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders and civil society representatives attended the event.
Guests were served traditional Bangladeshi delicacies, including biryani prepared with indigenous Kalijira rice and dishes featuring Black Bengal Goat, a globally recognised Geographical Indication (GI) product, highlighting Bangladesh’s rich agricultural and culinary heritage.