Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex and uncertain global political and economic landscape, the just-held 6th BIMSTEC Summit has reaffirmed BIMSTEC’s critical role in forging regional cooperation to enable the member states to deal with their shared security and sustainable development challenges, says its Secretariat. With institutional reforms already underway, BIMSTEC is poised to evolve into a vibrant and dynamic regional organisation, advancing peace, prosperity and resilience in the Bay of Bengal region, said the Secretariat of the regional grouping on Saturday. Leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), in their statements at the 6th Summit in Bangkok, underlined the need to make progress in enhancing intra-regional trade and investment; connectivity and security. The Summit, the Secretariat of the regional grouping said, provided a new impetus to the regional organisation to realise the goal of a “prosperous, resilient and open BIMSTEC”. The leaders also sought enhanced cooperation in the areas of tourism, culture exchanges, climate action, green and renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, food security and disaster management. The BIMSTEC leaders reiterated their commitment to it, identified the areas of priority for regional cooperation, and presented specific proposals and initiatives, said the BIMSTEC Secretariat on Saturday. Dr Yunus suggests BIMSTEC youth festival for increased engagement The 6th Summit of the Heads of State/Government of the Member States of BIMSTEC was held on Friday. It was preceded by 25th BIMSTEC Senior Officials’ Meeting on April 2 and 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on April 3. The 6th Summit was attended by Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Prof Muhammad Yunus, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Republic of India Narendra Modi, Chairman of State Administration Council and Prime Minister of Republic of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Dr Harini Amarasuriya and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The 6th Summit, themed “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC”, focused on fostering collaboration among the member States to address their shared security and developmental challenges. Bangladesh, Thailand sign MoU to fight corruption jointly Key Outcomes of 6th BIMSTEC Summit ● Adoption of Declaration of 6th BIMSTEC Summit, which reflects the vision of the Leaders as well as their decisions and directives for future cooperation; ● Adoption of BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, the first ever Vision Document of BIMSTEC, which provides a comprehensive and practical roadmap for future cooperation amongst the member States to achieve the vision of Prosperous, Resilient and Open BIMSTEC; ● Signing of Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation. It’s a significant step towards strengthening regional partnerships to enhance maritime connectivity, enabling more trade and travel amongst the member States; ● Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between BIMSTEC and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), which institutionalises future partnership between IORA and BIMSTEC in key areas of shared interest. ● Signing of Memoranda of Understanding between BIMSTEC and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which formalises partnership between UNODC and BIMSTEC in areas of shared priorities. ● Adoption of Rules of Procedure for the BIMSTEC Mechanisms. The Rules of Procedure, together with the BIMSTEC Charter, lay a strong foundation of institutional framework for regional cooperation under BIMSTEC, ensuring greater efficiency and consistency; ● Adoption of the Report of Eminent Persons Group on the Future Direction of BIMSTEC, which contains a number of recommendations to reform and revitalize BIMSTEC; and ● Endorsement of BIMSTEC Leaders’ Joint Statement on the Impact of Earthquake which struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, 2025. The BIMSTEC leaders expressed condolences, solidarity and commitment to supporting the affected countries and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate in regional disaster management and to strengthen response mechanisms for natural disasters. Dr Yunus enquires about Hasina’s extradition request status, seeks measures to restrain her BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey, in his report to the leaders, outlined progress made since the 5th BIMSTEC Summit, which was held in Colombo in March 2022. He sought their guidance to further advance the BIMSTEC agenda for the greater benefit of the region and reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to working closely with the member States to strengthen regional cooperation under BIMSTEC. At the conclusion of the Summit, Bangladesh, a founding member of BIMSTEC, assumed its Chairmanship. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to working collaboratively with other member States to take BIMSTEC cooperation forward. BIMSTEC comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday night returned home from Bangkok, wrapping up his two-day official visit that saw extensive engagement on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, carrying the Chief Adviser and his delegation members, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 10:05pm (BD time), Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Earlier, he departed from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport at 8:45pm (Bangkok time). Thai Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Jiraporn Sindhuprai, saw him off at the airport. During his visit, the chief adviser attended multiple events, including bilateral meetings with several heads of government, including a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hugely inflated, bulk of them were fake news: Yunus tells Modi over attacks on minorities At the summit Bangladesh assumed the chairmanship of the regional grouping - Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) - for the next two years, reaffirming its commitment to advancing regional cooperation and development. Upon receiving the chairmanship from Prime Minister of Thailand, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus made a statement of acceptance, underscoring an inclusive and action-oriented BIMSTEC. The BIMSTEC comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday conveyed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the reports of attacks on the minorities were "hugely inflated" and bulk of them were "fake" news as Modi shared his "serious concerns" for the safety and well-being of Hindus and other minorities. Responding to Prime Minister Modi's concern over the condition of minorities in Bangladesh, the Chief Adviser also asked the Indian leader to send reporters to Bangladesh to investigate the alleged attacks themselves. During their meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit, Dr Yunus said he has instituted an effective system for monitoring every incident of religious and gender violence in the country and his government was taking serious actions to stop any occurrence of such incidents, according to Chief Adviser's press wing. Through his social media handle, Modi said India remains committed to a "constructive and people-centric" relationship with Bangladesh. "I reiterated India’s support for peace, stability, inclusivity and democracy in Bangladesh," he said, adding that they discussed measures to prevent illegal border crossings and expressed India's "serious concerns" for the safety and well-being of Hindus and other minorities. Dr Yunus urges Bhutan to make investment in Bangladesh In a separate media briefing in Bangkok, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of the condition of minorities in Bangladesh candidly during his conversation with Prof Yunus. PM Modi conveyed India’s "deep concerns" on the matter and highlighted the broader societal implications of these developments. The Prime Minister also made it clear that the responsibility for addressing these issues lies with the government of Bangladesh, Misri said. Modi expressed his hope that the government would fulfill its responsibilities with seriousness and ensure that these matters are properly investigated and addressed. Responding to a question, the Indian Foreign Secretary said as far as the issue of election is concerned, it is well understood that in any democracy, regular and "inclusive elections" are a vital component. Prime Minister Modi shared his views on this matter with Prof Yunus and expressed his hope that, moving forward, they will see a "democratic, inclusive, and stable" Bangladesh, Misri said. It is universally acknowledged that elections play a crucial role in achieving that vision, said the Indian Foreign Secretary. Bangladesh urges Thailand to ease visa procedures Responding to a question on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, Misri said as far as Sheikh Hasina is concerned and the reference that was made in that context from the Bangladesh side - yes, this matter was raised during discussions. "As our spokesperson has already informed you earlier, we have indeed received a communication on this issue. At this point, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the subject," said the Indian Foreign Secretary. Both leaders - Dr Yunus and Modi - concluded their "fruitful and honest dialogue" by wishing each other good health and personal well-being and extended their best wishes for continued peace, progress and prosperity for the people of both countries.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus left Bangkok for Dhaka on Friday night after attending the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in the Thai capital. He departed from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport at 8:45pm local time on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Dr Yunus suggests BIMSTEC youth festival for increased engagement Thai Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Jiraporn Sindhuprai, saw him off at the airport. The chief adviser arrived in Bangkok on Thursday and attended multiple events, including bilateral meetings with several heads of government from neighbouring countries.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday asked the BIMSTEC secretariat to take the initiative for a BIMSTEC youth festival to increase engagement among the young boys and girls of member states. Dr Yunus gave the directive to BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey soon after he assumed the role of new BIMSTEC chairman at the end of its sixth summit. Mani, a former Indian diplomat, called on the Chief Adviser at the end of the summit to discuss the future initiatives of the organisation. The Chief Adviser also asked Mani to ensure a separate youth gathering when BIMSTEC held its next summit in Dhaka two years later, CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Hasina’s extradition, border, water issues featured in Dr Yunus-Modi first-ever talks “We should have a separate meeting for youth when BIMSTEC leaders meet. This will bring young people of member countries together,” said Professor Yunus. “Also, BIMSTEC should hold a youth festival where each country will do their part and one country will take the lead. Youth festival will again bring young boys and girls together,” he said. Mani welcomed the ideas and pledged to work on those. “These are fantastic ideas. We will work on these ideas with our full attention,” he said. The Chief Adviser also inquired from BIMSTEC secretary general about Free Trade Agreement negotiations status among the member states. The BIMSTEC secretary general informed the Chief Adviser that they were working to hold a meeting of commerce and trade ministers of member countries, which had not been held in 21 years, with the last such meeting taking place in 2004. The Chief Adviser also asked the BIMSTEC secretary general to prepare an annual calendar of meetings planned for a better outcome. Yunus-Modi Talks: India reiterates support for democratic, inclusive Bangladesh The sixth BIMSTEC Summit was held in Bangkok on Friday, with leaders from seven member countries attending. Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra handed over the chairmanship of BIMSTEC to Prof Yunus at the end of the Summit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reiterated India's support for a "democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive" Bangladesh during his first- ever bilateral meeting with Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. "Prime Minister Modi urged that rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided," Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters while briefing after the meeting. Hasina’s extradition, border, water issues featured in Dr Yunus-Modi first-ever talks Modi expressed his conviction that all issues of mutual interest between the two countries would continue to be addressed and resolved bilaterally through constructive discussions, in the interest of their long-standing and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship. The Indian Prime Minister underlined that India believes in people-centric approach in a relationship and highlighted the cooperation between the two countries for a long period of time that delivered tangible benefits to people on both sides, He underlined India’s desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on pragmatism. On the border, strict enforcement of the law and prevention of illegal border crossings, especially at night, are necessary for maintaining border security and stability, according to the readout issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. "Bilateral mechanism could meet as appropriate to review and take forward our ties," Modi said. Prime Minister Modi underlined India’s concerns related to the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, and expressed his expectation that the government of Bangladesh would ensure their security, including by thoroughly investigating the cases of atrocities committed against them. He congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the Chair of BIMSTEC and looked forward to the forum further advancing regional cooperation under its leadership. The leaders agreed to enhance consultations and cooperation to advance regional integration, including under the BIMSTEC framework. We'll hold free, fair, participatory election: Dr Yunus tells BIMSTEC leaders Chief Adviser Dr Yunus presented a photograph to Prime Minister Modi during their bilateral meeting. The photo is about Prime Minister Narendra Modi presenting a gold medal to Dr Yunus at the 102nd Indian Science Congress that took place in Mumbai on January 3, 2015. The bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit is viewed as the most significant development in Dhaka-Delhi relations since the July Uprising in Bangladesh. This was the first-ever in-person meeting between the two South Asian leaders since the formation of Bangladesh's interim government last August 8, following the fall of the previous government three days earlier. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs Lamiya Morshed, CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim, among others, were present at the meeting, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. This is the biggest India-Bangladesh diplomatic development since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, and subsequent flight to Delhi (where she remains), observers say. Earlier, Bangladesh approached India through the diplomatic channel to arrange a meeting between Dr Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the Summit. In his pre-departure statement from India, Modi said he will meet the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries to discuss ways for strengthening collaboration, keeping the interests of people in mind. Dr Yunus seeks collective efforts rising above differences to strengthen BIMSTEC "I look forward to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging productively to further strengthen our collaboration with the interests of our people in mind," Modi said as he began his visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Thursday hosted an official dinner for BIMSTEC leaders where Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met each other, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad told UNB. The Thai prime minister welcomed the BIMSTEC leaders and exchanged pleasantries at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La Hotel. She made a brief remark at the dinner which was followed by a toast. Dr Yunus posed for a photograph with Thai PM Shinawatra at the official dinner.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said their North-Eastern region, in particular, is emerging as a connectivity hub for the BIMSTEC, with a myriad network of roads, railways, waterways, grids and pipelines. “We, after all, have the longest coastline in the Bay of Bengal, of almost 6500km. India shares borders not only with five BIMSTEC members, connects most of them, but also provides much of the interface between the Indian Sub-continent and ASEAN,” he said, adding that India is aware of its special responsibility in regard to BIMSTEC. Speaking at the 20th BIMSTEC ministerial meeting, Jaishankar said they believe that cooperation is an integrated outlook, not one subject to cherry picking. The EAM said the completion of the “trilateral highway” will connect India’s North East all the way to the Pacific Ocean, a veritable game-changer. He said they are conscious that their cooperation and facilitation are an essential pre-requisite for the smooth flow of goods, services and people in this larger geography. Keeping this geo-strategic factor in mind, Jaishankar said they have devoted increasing energies and attention to the strengthening of BIMSTEC in the last decade. He said this regional organisation represents the trifecta of three of our crucial initiatives: the Act East policy, the Neighbourhood First approach and the MAHA-SAGAR outlook. Society collapses due to wealth, power concentration: Dr Yunus “It is also on the pathway to our Indo-Pacific commitment. In order to promote BIMSTEC, what India is doing is to draw the best from all of them and then synergize that with our collective efforts,” said the Indian Minister, adding that their bilateral relationships with individual BIMSTEC members are also strong and steadily growing is a further source of strength. “At the end of the day, what we seek to create is a strong structural framework with a substantial relevance to our people,” he said, adding that by having a real commitment towards enhancing the growth of BIMSTEC. By finalising a BIMSTEC Charter in 2024 and holding four Summits in the last decade, Jaishankar said, they are sending a strong message to that effect. Dr Yunus arrives in Bangkok ahead of BIMSTEC Summit “Our job is to prepare for a successful Summit tomorrow where our leaders will reinforce the pillars of cooperation, witness the signing of significant agreements and declare the establishment of Centres of Excellence,” said the EAM. “I am confident that we will not only accomplish the ground work properly but set the stage for the emergence of the Bay of Bengal as a vibrant and energetic region,” Jaishankar said, noting that the nations around and proximate to the Bay of Bengal have both common interests and shared concerns.

Highlighting the risks of wealth and power concentration, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said a society collapses sooner or later if wealth and power concentration happens in it. “Unless wealth is shared, you cannot sustain a society,” he said while delivering his keynote speech at the BIMSTEC Young Gen Forum, a forum that inspired young entrepreneurs. Dr Yunus, who created microcredit, invented social business, and earned a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in alleviating poverty, is now paying a two-day visit here to attend the BIMSTEC Summit on Friday. Thailand is hosting the 6th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Bangladesh will take responsibility as the next chair of BIMSTEC on Friday. Dr Yunus arrives in Bangkok ahead of BIMSTEC Summit Thailand has taken over the BIMSTEC Chairmanship from Sri Lanka since 30 March 2022. Talking about the new civilisation, Dr Yunus said businesses should not be greed driven and that is the first condition of the new civilisation. “Greed will destroy us. Why? Because whatever all the things that we talk about, we promise the government to see this is what we're doing. Our country is moving forward. Our GDP is growing and all that - growth rate is so high. So what? This gets concentrated in a few hands. They become richer and richer, and we call it development. We call it growth, we call it a fantastic economy,” said the chief adviser, adding that this way the seed of self-destruction is planted. He said this is one reason why civilisation cannot sustain and on top of it, they are destroying the planet. Dr Yunus, who established the Grameen Bank in 1983, laid emphasis on challenging the system to change the world. “You cannot create the world with the same system. If you want to change the world, you have to change the system. There's no other option for you. If you go by the same road, you'll always get to the same destination. If you want to go to a new destination, you have to build a new road,” he said. The chief apdviser said the young generation today is so different. “I keep mentioning to the young generation that you are the most powerful generation in human history.” “And you're taking this most powerful generation and putting them into work for somebody else, taking orders from somebody else.

BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers on Thursday signed the agreement on "BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Cooperation", marking a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, in his statement, highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to ensuring collective peace, progress and prosperity through a shared BIMSTEC vision. Hossain participated in the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand, with the participation of the Foreign Ministers from the BIMSTEC Member States. He stressed the  tangible, and result-oriented cooperation, including through effective implementation of the BIMSTEC FTA enhancing  intra-regional trade. Modi to meet BIMSTEC country leaders, engage to strengthen collaboration The Foreign Affairs Adviser raised the issue of 1.2 million Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh and stressed on creating conducive atmosphere in Myanmar for the return of 1.2 million Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals to their land with rights and security. The BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers also finalised the draft provisional agenda for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and the draft of the Summit Declaration, which will be considered at the upcoming Summit scheduled to be held on Friday. Dr Yunus leaves for Bangkok to attend 6th BIMSTEC Summit The BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers agreed to hold the 21st BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting in Dhaka. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the report of the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting.