United News of Bangladesh

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 Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday said holding the national election in a participatory manner at the earliest possible time is on top of their agenda. "I have assured our people that, once our mandate is fulfilled in the conduct of elections as well as the required reform is done, we shall hold a free, fair and participatory election," he said while delivering his speech at the BIMSTEC Summit. Dr Yunus said they will continue to work steadfastly to ensure the constitutional rights of every citizen of the country whether they are women or the members of ethnic and religious minorities as they rebuild Bangladesh. Thai Prime Minister and Chair of the 6th Summit Paetongtarn Shinawatra and leaders of the member States were present. Dr Yunus said the interim government in Bangladesh is pledge-bound to undertake robust and far-reaching reforms to restore economic stability and sustained growth. "We are committed to good governance, combating corruption and bringing order to every sphere of economy," he said, adding that these are at the core of the reforms they have planned. The interim government constituted six Commissions to recommend reforms to the judiciary, the electoral system, public administration, police, the anti-corruption office, and the constitution to ensure public ownership, accountability and welfare of the people. The Commissions have already submitted their recommendations, which are under active consideration of the government. "We have formed a seven-member 'Jatiya Oaikyamot (Consensus) Commission' headed by me and comprising the chiefs of all the six Commissions to consider and adopt the recommendations submitted by the individual commissions," Dr Yunus said. Main goal is to ensure free, fair election: EC Sanaullah He said they have also formed four additional Commissions recently to make policy recommendations on media, health, labour and women’s rights. In 1971, hundreds of thousands of ordinary women and men, children and youths made supreme sacrifice in a nine-month long genocide, fighting against a brutal military, said the Chief Adviser. He said people aspired for an inclusive, just and free society where every ordinary person could materialise his or her dreams. Sadly, Dr Yunus said, in the course of past fifteen years, people, especially the youth, progressively saw their spaces and rights curtailed. "They witnessed the deep erosion of almost every State institution and civic rights trampled." The Chief Adviser said the common mass brought an end to the "brutal authoritarian" regime, at the expense of lives of close to 2000 innocent people, mostly youths, including 118 children. "The people of Bangladesh witnessed a re-birth in her history." "The student leaders, who led the uprising and freed the country from the corrupt and autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina, appealed to me to lead the country during this crucial juncture of our history," Dr Yunus said. "I agreed to take the responsibility, for the sake of our people." Dr Yunus took a moment to express his heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the governments and the people of Thailand and Myanmar in the aftermath of the recent devastating earthquake that has caused a huge loss of life and property in Myanmar and Thailand. "Bangladesh stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters from Thailand and Myanmar during this difficult time," Dr Yunus said. "We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and pray for the quick recovery of the injured," he said, adding that he is confident that given the strong leadership and the government's efforts, they will be able to overcome the challenges and restore normalcy in the affected areas. Rizvi expects free, fair elections under new EC Dr Yunus conveyed his sincere appreciation to the government of Thailand for carrying forward the BIMSTEC process since it took off in 1997 in Thailand. "I would also like to convey our deep appreciation to you for the warm reception and hospitality extended to me and my delegation since our arrival," he said. Dr Yunus appreciated BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey for his leadership to the BIMSTEC Secretariat.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus arrived here in Thai capital on Thursday afternoon to join the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit. A flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Chief Adviser and his entourage arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok at 12 pm (Thailand), Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Dr Yunus was received by Thai Minister in Attendance Jiraporn Sindhuprai, he said. Dr Yunus will hold a number of meetings with BIMSTEC leaders on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit, including a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bangladesh sees this year's BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled to be held on April 4, "very important" for the country as it will assume the chairmanship of the grouping for the next two years. Dr Yunus leaves for Bangkok to attend 6th BIMSTEC Summit Dhaka also thinks the summit will provide them with an opportunity to present a "just and inclusive" Bangladesh in South and Southeast Asia, officials said this week. Prior to this year’s BIMSTEC Summit, the Chief Adviser will deliver a keynote speech titled “BIMSTEC Young Generation Forum: Where the Future Meets” at the forum on Thursday. The theme of the 6th summit, which is being held three years after the 5th summit (Virtual, Colombo, 30 March 2022), is “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC”. The summit, which aims at fostering collaboration among the member states to address the shared security and developmental challenges, will provide a new impetus to the efforts underway to realise the goal of a prosperous, resilient and open BIMSTEC, according to the BIMSTEC Secretariat. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin said the summit will further "strengthen and deepen" the relationship between Bangladesh and other BIMSTEC member states and will play an important role in advancing regional peace and development. "It goes without saying that this 6th BIMSTEC Summit is a new step for the new Bangladesh in the regional arena through BIMSTEC," he said, hoping that the 6th BIMSTEC Summit will be successful. The foreign secretary participated in the 25th BIMSTEC senior officials’ meeting on April 2. There is a possibility of signing an agreement on ‘Maritime Transport cooperation’ between BIMSTEC member states at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, said the foreign secretary. Dr Yunus' remarks on Northeast India made with good intentions: High Representative  

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus left here for Bangkok, Thailand to join the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit. A flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Chief Adviser and his entourage departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:55 am, CA’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Dr Yunus will hold a number of meetings with BIMSTEC leaders on the sidelines of the summit, including a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.BIMSTEC Sidelines: Yunus, Modi first-ever in-person meeting set for April 4 Bangladesh sees this year's BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled to be held on April 4, "very important" for the country as it will assume the chairmanship of the grouping for the next two years.  Dhaka also thinks the summit will provide them with an opportunity to present a "just and inclusive" Bangladesh in South and Southeast Asia, officials said this week.  Prior to this year’s BIMSTEC Summit, the chief adviser will deliver a keynote speech at the forum titled “BIMSTEC Young Generation Forum: Where the Future Meets” on Thursday.Bangladesh seeks cooperation of BIMSTEC member states for timely finalisation of 6 agreements The theme of the 6th summit, which is being held three years after the 5th summit (Virtual, Colombo, 30 March 2022), is “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC”.  The summit, which aims at fostering collaboration among the member states to address the shared security and developmental challenges, will provide a new impetus to the efforts underway to realise the goal of a prosperous, resilient and open BIMSTEC, according to the BIMSTEC Secretariat. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin said the summit will further "strengthen and deepen" the relationship between Bangladesh and other BIMSTEC member states and will play an important role in advancing regional peace and development. "It goes without saying that this 6th BIMSTEC Summit is a new step for the new Bangladesh in the regional arena through BIMSTEC," he said, hoping that the 6th BIMSTEC Summit will be successful.  The foreign secretary participated in the 25th BIMSTEC senior officials’ meeting on April 2. There is a possibility of signing an agreement on ‘Maritime Transport cooperation’ between BIMSTEC member states at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, said the foreign secretary. This agreement is expected to help enhance regional economic and trade relations by strengthening commercial shipping and maritime transport, he said.    

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to attend the Bimstec Summit, to be held on April 4 in Bangkok, raising hope for a first-ever in person meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines. Preparations are underway and the Chief Adviser will definitely hold a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit, a diplomatic source told UNB, without elaborating further. Though the two countries - Bangladesh and India - witnessed diplomatic tensions over a number of issues, there is still possibility that the two leaders can meet taking advantage of the Bimstec platform, said an official, adding that nothing is finalised yet. The Chief Adviser has so far visited the United States, Egypt, Azerbaijan and Switzerland and will visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend the World Governments Summit 2025 to be held in Dubai on February 11-13. Bimstec chief highlights Dhaka’s key role in deepening regional cooperation Thailand will host 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 there, officials said. Thailand has taken over the Bimstec Chairmanship from Sri Lanka since 30 March 2022. Bimstec consists of seven member countries, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Bimstec Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey recently said the Summit will have some significant outcomes. "It will set a direction for the future of Bimstec," he said. The Bimstec Summit was earlier scheduled to take place on September 4 last year but it was deferred. The expected outcomes of the 6th Bimstec Summit are: Bimstec Bangkok Vision 2030 which is one of the deliverables of Thailand's Chairmanship to (1) set a clear direction and goals for Bimstec cooperation, (2) identify key priorities for achieving these goals, (3) promote BIMSTEC as a space for peace, stability and economic sustainability, and (4) enhance cooperation on adaptation to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Rules of Procedure for Bimstec Mechanisms will put in place operational mechanisms and define the responsibilities of various structures within Bimstec. Bangladesh calls for finalizing BIMSTEC FTA The 6th Bimstec Summit will have a Declaration, expressing the intentions of the Bimstec leaders and actions and achievements during Thailand's Chairmanship. The Declaration would also represent the commitment of all Bimstec member states in line with the Bimstec Bangkok Vision 2030, according to the host country. There will be a report of the Bimstec Eminent Persons’ Group which is a policy recommendation document of the panel of experts to develop Bimstec in accordance with the Bimstec Bangkok Vision 2030. During Thailand's Chairmanship, Thailand has made every effort to ensure that cooperation within the Bimstec framework is of maximum benefit to the people, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry. Several concrete examples of economic issues that have been promoted include sustainable and resilient new forms of business, regional connectivity, and competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Govt approves visa-exemption agreement with the Gambia, maritime cooperation deal under BIMSTEC These efforts have enabled people to transport goods at lower costs, especially by sea, and connect entrepreneurs of all sizes to access markets in this region more easily, said the Thai government. In terms of economic and social security, Thailand focuses on enhancing food security and public health, in order to allow us to develop cooperation in traditional medicine, expand agricultural product markets, and enhance food security with member countries. Besides, Thailand promotes sustainable tourism in all dimensions, making tourists from India and South Asia the top targets for Thailand tourism industry.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are likely to have a meeting on the sidelines of the Bimstec Summit which is expected to take place next month in Bangkok, Thailand. Briefing reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on current affairs on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain hinted at the possibility of such a development. There was no meeting between Chief Adviser Dr Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, as the two leaders' schedules did not align, officials said. Modi left the United States before Prof Yunus’s arrival in New York. BIMSTEC member states call for strengthening economic ties, people-to-people exchanges The Chief Adviser was scheduled to attend the Bimstec Summit which was originally scheduled for September 4 but was later postponed. The new date is yet to be announced but the Chief Adviser will attend the summit. Thailand will host the next summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec). Bangladesh will take responsibility as the next chair of BIMSTEC there. The Bimstec member states have emphasised the importance of enhancing physical, maritime and digital linkages to strengthen economic ties and people-to-people exchanges, while also exploring opportunities for capacity building and skill development. The support for the establishment of Bimstec Centre of Excellence was also expressed by the member states at an informal meeting of the Bimstec Foreign Ministers. The meeting was held in New York on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the UNGA recently. It concluded with a shared resolve to further deepen cooperation within Bimstec and prepare for the upcoming leaders' summit. It was the first meeting of the Bimstec Foreign Ministers in New York on the sidelines of the annual Session of the UNGA. Secretary General of the Bimstec Indra Mani Pandey has recently said the next summit will have some significant outcomes and it will set a direction for Bimstec future. The Bimstec Secretary General hoped the upcoming summit would add a new vigour to regional cooperation within Bimstec. "I believe Bimstec has a bright future. All the members are truly committed to making sure Bimstec becomes a success story," he said while making a presentation on Bimstec activities at its headquarters in Dhaka recently. The summit will adopt a Bangkok Vision 2030 which would be an overarching kind of document and give direction to the organisation, he said, adding that it would be one of the significant outcomes. Bimstec brings together seven countries in South and Southeast Asia for multifaceted cooperation. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and Director General (Public Diplomacy Wing) Toufique Hasan were also present.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday called for collective efforts of the seven Bay of Bengal countries at tapping the full potentials of the region for the benefits of their people. “We need to find common strategies to rebuild a sustainable and resilient Bay of Bengal region by tapping the full potentials of the region,” she said while addressing the 5th BIMSTEC Summit that opened in Sri Lankan capital Colombo. Joining the summit virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban the prime minister said that the summit meeting gives an opportunity to expedite the collective efforts and find out common solutions to the multiple challenges. BIMSTEC of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand bringing together 1.54 billion people of the resource-rich region.

Leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) are set to sign the BIMSTEC Charter at the 5th Summit that began in Sri Lankan capital city on Wednesday morning. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi are joining the Summit, hosted by current BIMSTEC chair Sri Lanka in virtual mode, from Dhaka and New Delhi respectively. BIMSTEC Convention on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters will be signed by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Justice or the nominated signatories of the BIMSTEC Member States. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen is leading a Bangladesh delegation at the Summit in person. Read: Bangladesh seeks Thailand’s support to get connected with Trilateral Highway project Momen said Bangladesh is committed to the security and stability of the region within the framework of BIMSTEC Convention on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime and annual Consultation Mechanism of BIMSTEC National Security Advisors Forum. "I am happy to note that our leaders will be approving and watching the signing of the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters at the 5th BIMSTEC Summit," he said. The foreign minister said senior officials’ meeting held on Monday recommended some important documents for consideration and onward recommendation to the Summit. "BIMSTEC Charter is one of them which will place the organization’s activities on a more structured and rule based platform," Momen said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will virtually join the BIMSTEC Summit scheduled to be held on March 30 in Sri Lanka. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, who will attend the Summit, confirmed the prime minister’s virtual joining. While talking to reporters at his office on Tuesday, Dr Momen also said Myanmar is not probably sending ther head of the government. Read:Stay united to take Bangladesh forward: PM urges after dedicating Payra plant as her Ramadan, Eid gift The 5th BIMSTEC Summit is likely to adopt the long expected BIMSTEC transport connectivity master plan, says State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam recently. This plan, he said, will put new impetus in implementation of multi-modal connectivity projects connecting the member states towards regional integration in the Bay of Bengal Region. Though the COVID 19 slowed down the momentum, the 5th BIMSTEC Summit will be held after four years since the 4th BIMSTEC Summit held in 2018. The much-awaited next edition of the BIMSTEC Summit will be hosted by current chair Sri Lanka. The 5th BIMSTEC Summit will be an opportunity to review and reflect what had worked and what did not, said the State Minister. “It will be an opportunity to refresh and renew their commitment to strengthen the BIMSTEC Process in all respects,” he said. At the impending 5th BIMSTEC Summit, Alam said, a substantive number of issues are expected to be high on the agenda of the leaders for their consideration and adoption. Another fundamental area of cooperation and a much needed element of regional integration is the implementation of BIMSTEC Free Trade Area, said the State Minister while addressing as the chief guest at the “Bay of Bengal Economic Forum 2022” on Friday. Read: Greek PM phones Hasina, praises her leadership for impressive development Alam said BIMSTEC is expecting to get a Charter after 25 years of its establishment. “We’re also expecting a quarter dozen legal instruments to be concluded during the Summit.” With the conclusion of these four legal instruments, the number of essential legal documents will be raised to 13 from existing, he said. These documents are fundamental software for operation and functioning of the BIMSTEC Process which has been moving at a slow pace since its inception in 1997.

The 5th BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled to be held on March 30, is likely to adopt the long-awaited BIMSTEC transport connectivity master plan, says State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam. This plan, he said, will put new impetus in implementation of multi-modal connectivity projects involving the member states towards regional integration in the Bay of Bengal region. Though the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down the momentum, the 5th BIMSTEC Summit will be held this month after four years since the 4th BIMSTEC Summit held in 2018. This summit will be hosted by current chair Sri Lanka. The 5th BIMSTEC Summit will be an opportunity to review and reflect what had worked and what did not, said the State Minister. “It will be an opportunity to refresh and renew their commitment to strengthen the BIMSTEC Process in all respects,” he said. Also read: Shahriar meets Lekhi in Delhi At the impending BIMSTEC Summit, Alam said, a substantive number of issues are expected to be high on the agenda of the leaders for their consideration and adoption.