Bangladesh reaffirms commitment to open, connected Bay of Bengal region
State minister highlights multimodal connectivity, trade, and people-to-people ties as priorities; BIMSTEC secretary general notes significant institutional progress over 29 years
Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering trust, inclusivity, and collaboration among BIMSTEC member states as the country currently holds the bloc's chair, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said at a reception in Dhaka last night (8 June) marking the 29th anniversary of the grouping.
Speaking at the event, she stressed the importance of seamless multimodal connectivity, enhanced trade and investment, technology transfer, stronger supply chains, and people-to-people contacts in building a prosperous Bay of Bengal region.
Shama Obaed described BIMSTEC as a unique bridge connecting South and Southeast Asia, and said Bangladesh regards regional cooperation as a cornerstone of its foreign policy.
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She also called for strengthening the bloc's institutional foundations, operationalising the BIMSTEC Charter, and ensuring sectoral cooperation mechanisms are properly resourced and coordinated.
BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey said this year's celebration carried special significance as the organisation begins a year-long lead-up to its 30th anniversary.
He noted that BIMSTEC has made considerable progress in regional cooperation across multiple sectors and has built the institutional framework needed to function as an effective regional body.
He also thanked Bangladesh for hosting the secretariat and providing continued support.
Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo and State Minister for Disaster Management M Iqbal Hossain were also present at the reception, which brought together diplomats, senior officials, international organisation representatives, and members of think tanks.
The celebration featured cultural performances, exhibitions of handicrafts and textiles, and a flag parade by representatives of member states dressed in traditional attire.
BIMSTEC Day was also marked simultaneously across all seven member countries, with congratulatory messages from heads of state, heads of government, and foreign ministers.
Established through the Bangkok Declaration on 6 June 1997, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
