United News of Bangladesh

France and Bangladesh share a common commitment to peace, multilateralism and the rules-based international order, French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet said on Monday, stressing the need for closer cooperation amid growing global instability and unilateralism. He made the remarks while delivering the keynote speech at at a lectures series titled “France and the World: Bangladesh in it” jointly organised by the Center for the Bay of Bengal Studies and Marana Foundation in partnership with the Department of Global Studies and Governance of Independent University, Bangladesh. Highlighting the long-standing historical ties between the two countries, the Ambassador said France has consistently supported Bangladesh on global platforms and considers the country a key partner in advancing peace and international cooperation. “The world is changing very fast and not necessarily for the better. What was true a year ago may not be true today,” he said, describing what he termed the ‘brutalisation’ of the global order marked by unilateralism, disregard for international law and growing conflict. The Ambassador praised Bangladesh’s significant contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, calling the country a vital actor in global peace and security. He said both nations remain firm supporters of the United Nations, multilateralism and international law, which he described as ‘the only viable framework for global stability.’ Referring to France’s foreign policy priorities, Séré-Charlet said Paris declared a feminist diplomacy a decade ago and places strong emphasis on gender equality. He commended the host university for maintaining near gender parity, calling it reflective of shared values. The Ambassador also expressed concern over violations of international law, citing Russia’s actions in Ukraine as a serious challenge to the rules-based order. He also warned about the growing use of hybrid warfare including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. “Disinformation has become a weapon. Democracies must work together to counter fake news and manipulation especially during elections,” he said. He said France is keen to deepen collaboration with Bangladesh in climate action, biodiversity conservation, maritime security and Indo-Pacific cooperation. He also reaffirmed France’s support for the rights of Palestinians and a peaceful solution in the Middle East based on international law.

President and Executive Chair of the Marana Foundation Nahar Khan on Sunday said Bangladesh–France relations are evolving beyond traditional development cooperation, increasingly shaped by economic complementarities, shared innovation agendas and long-term strategic alignment. She said while delivering the concluding remarks at a lectures series titled “France and the World: Bangladesh in it” jointly organised by the Center for the Bay of Bengal Studies and Marana Foundation in partnership with the Department of Global Studies and Governance of Independent University, Bangladesh. Khan said the day-long discussion examined bilateral ties from diplomatic, strategic, environmental, economic and regional perspectives, reflecting the growing depth and maturity of the partnership. “What emerges clearly is that this partnership is no longer defined solely by traditional development cooperation,” she said. “It is increasingly shaped by economic complementarities, shared innovation agendas and a long-term strategic alignment.” Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Jean‑Marc Séré‑Charlet delivered the keynote speech at the event as the chief guest while chairman of the Marana Foundation Masud Khan delivered the opening speech. Nahar noted that both countries contribute uniquely to shared global goals, citing France’s expertise in technology and sustainable development and Bangladesh’s strong economic growth, creative industries and demographic dynamism. “We are uniquely positioned to complement and learn from one another,” Khan said, adding that sustainable partnerships are also forged through universities, research centres and dialogue platforms, where ideas are tested and future leaders are engaged. Expressing hope for expanded cooperation, she said such exchanges could deepen collaboration in cultural diplomacy through arts and people-to-people connectivity, climate action, digital innovation, security cooperation, and ethical and inclusive frameworks for emerging technologies. “At Marana Foundation, we believe that meaningful dialogue must go beyond statements and symbolism,” she said. “It must create space for honest discussion, mutual learning and long-term collaboration—and today’s seminar was intended to be a space just for that.” Khan expressed gratitude to French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean‑Marc Séré‑Charlet, saying his engagement reflected the depth and future potential of Bangladesh–France relations. She also thanked the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies and the Department of Global Studies and Governance at the International University of Bangladesh (IUB) for co-organising the seminar. Acknowledging institutional leadership, Khan expressed appreciation to IUB Vice-Chancellor Professor M Tamim, Board of Trustees Chairman Didar A. Hossain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Daniel W. Lund, Rear Admiral Khurshid Ullam, Director of the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies, and Ambassador Tariq Kareem, Advisor to the Centre, for advancing dialogue and research on regional, maritime and governance issues. She also thanked all participants, noting that their contributions enriched the discussion and reinforced the importance of sustained Bangladesh–France engagement.