Speakers at a seminar on Wednesday identified lack of political will of Bangladesh, India and Myanmar governments as the prime bottleneck to achieve objectives of sub-regional cooperation.
The scholars from three countries made the remarks on the second day of a two-day seminar titled 'Bangladesh's Engagement with India and Myanmar' at Dhaka University.
They also said that all political parties must come united with open mind to resolve the standoff towards a meaningful sub-regional cooperation.
Chairman of Bangladesh's National Human Rights Commission Dr Mizanur Rahman said if South Asian nations expect to achieve regional cooperation keeping India and Pakistan on the same platform, then other countries will have to sign a death certificate first as deal for the cooperation will never be materialised.
Organiser and also Chairman of RDC Prof Mesbah Kamal told the seminar that the sub-regional concept would bolster India's position as a regional power and a counterweight to China in the Asia-Pacific region.
He said Myanmar is presently an observer in SAARC and their request to be a full member of the forum should be considered.
He was also of the view that the role of Myanmar and India has become significant for cooperation to exploit the sea-resources especially after the settlement of maritime delimitation of the Bay of Bengal.
Prof Om Prakash Mishra of Jadavpur University in India opined that the three nations aspiring for tri-lateral sub-regional cooperation overarches BIMSTEC, BCIM, SASEC, BBIN and other platforms for an equitable partnership.