Dhaka, 18 January 2023: Experts have urged the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and
Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries to minimize internal differences and fast-track the
implementation of regional integration initiatives with a more liberal and broader global outlook to lift
millions of people out of poverty in the region. ‘Bangladesh is the gateway to regional connectivity within the
region, and it now must leverage its strategic advantages to generate meaningful business, economic and
political outcomes for the greater benefits of the people in the region, especially of the North-East Indian
States,’ they observed during a dialogue held at the Syndicate Hall of North-South University in the
afternoon.
Jointly organized by the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG), North South University, and
South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM), the dialogue titled: “Bangladesh-India Relations:
Outlook 2023 and Beyond; Building on Connectivity and Capacity Building for Prosperous BIMSTEC
Region” was chaired by NSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Atiqul Islam. Ambassador Farooq Sobhan,
Distinguished Fellow & Board Member of Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI); Former Foreign Secretary
of Bangladesh Ambassador Shahidul Haque; Professorial Fellow, SIPG, Dr Prabir De, Professor, New Delhi,
Mr. Sabyasachi Dutta, Executive Director, Asian Confluence, India East Asia Center, Shillong, Dr. Imtiaz
Ahmed, Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka; Dr. Amena Mohsin,
Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, among others, also spoke.
Referring to the rapidly evolving geo-strategic situation, the speakers underscored the need to improve the
seven BIMSTEC countries’ perception by respecting each other’s values in dealing with bilateral and regional
interactions. ‘China’s role at the regional and international levels needs to be considered for the region’s
greater interest,’ it was observed.
Ambassador Farooq Sobhan emphasized improving mutual public perceptions by setting up cultural centers
across the region and engaging youth to provide them hope for a better future.
Ambassador Shahidul Haque observed that the world is going through a volatile situation in both security and
business prospective. Therefore, collaborative relationship between India and Bangladesh will transform
BIMSTEC in to more effective for member countries.
Professor Dr. Prabir De from India suggested a tripartite relation involving India, Bangladesh, and Japan to
move forward with regional integration.
NSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Atiqul Islam suggested bringing people in the region closer through cultural
exchanges.