Bangladesh assumes chairmanship of BIMSTEC

Bangladesh on Friday assumed the chairmanship of the 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 the prime minister of Thailand, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad 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.

The chairmanship of the BIMSTEC, which has emerged as a “significant forum” for promoting regional development, connectivity and economic progress in the Bay of Bengal region, rotates according to the alphabetical order of the English names of the member states, officials said.

This changeover of chairmanship takes place during the Summit whereby the member state chairing BIMSTEC hosts the Summit and hands over the chairmanship to the member state next in alphabetical order.

The theme of the sixth summit, held three years after the fifth summit (Virtual, Colombo, 30 March 2022), was “Prosperous, Resilient and Open BIMSTEC”.

At the beginning of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, leaders took a group photo which was followed by a welcome address by the BIMSTEC chair, prime minister of Thailand. One-minute silence was observed for the recent earthquake victims in Myanmar and Thailand, reports UNB.

After the adoption of the agenda, Yunus and other leaders of the BIMSTEC made their statements.

Leaders (heads of government) of the BIMSTEC member states unanimously adopted the Bangkok Declaration and the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision, a strategic roadmap aimed at guiding the organisation towards sustainable development and deeper economic integration.

Yunus outlined Bangladesh’s vision and priorities for the BIMSTEC in his statement.

Reaffirming his government’s unwavering commitment, he assured that Bangladesh remains steadfast in upholding the constitutional rights of all its citizens, including women and members of ethnic and religious minorities.

Yunus emphasised the urgent need to implement the BIMSTEC Framework Agreement on FTA and stressed the importance of executing the BIMSTEC Master Plan on Transport Connectivity.

He also called for more visible and proactive measures by the BIMSTEC to engage Myanmar in fostering stability in the Rakhine State, thereby creating a conducive environment for the return of forcibly displaced Rohingyas to their land.

Earlier in the morning, the chief adviser joined a breakfast meeting with Thai dignitaries on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit. He posed for photographs with Thai dignitaries after the breakfast meeting.