CA seeks Thai elite’s support for ASEAN membership

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday sought support from the elites of Thai society in Dhaka’s efforts to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Bangladesh has planned to join the ASEAN as its sectoral dialogue partner, but Yunus said the ultimate goal is to join as a full member of the key regional group.

"That is where our future is,” the chief adviser told Thai dignitaries at a breakfast meeting at a Bangkok hotel.

Yunus said Bangladesh believes in multilateralism, and it is a proud member of the SAARC and the BIMSTEC.

He said the regional groups should step up their efforts to foster economic growth and bring people closer.

Thai leaders, including former Thailand prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, a former deputy prime minister, top business leaders, bankers, academics, and civil society leaders, joined the meeting.

The chief adviser said Bangladesh hopes to get support from top ASEAN nations, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, for the membership.

Yunus also stressed greater collaboration between the peoples of Thailand and Bangladesh, saying both nations share similar histories and challenges.

"This will be the beginning of the relationship we want to build," he said, referring to the meeting.

The chief adviser also weighed in on the recent development in global trade, saying, "We need greater collaboration. Can we rethink a new business model?"

He highlighted the recent changes in Bangladesh and the student-led uprising, which has toppled a brutal dictatorship and helped usher in a new era in the country.

Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, Chief Adviser's High Representative Khalilur Rahman, SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin were also present during the meeting.