Participants in a seminar on Sunday had called for enhanced trust, political dialogue, and cooperation to unlock the immense opportunities offered by the Bay of Bengal's strategic location and resources.
"The Bay of Bengal is now witnessing heightened attention from regional and global powers, with nations and institutions recognising its critical role as a driver of growth and stability," they said.
They also said that the Bay, historically a nexus of connection, commerce, and culture, continues to hold immense strategic importance as a maritime crossroads linking South and Southeast Asia to the global economy, now the time is to turn it into a model for sustainable and inclusive development.
Speakers made these comments at an international seminar titled "Reconnecting the Bay of Bengal Region: Exploring the Convergence of Interests" at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) here. BIISS and the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO), sponsored by the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, jointly organised the seminar.
BIISS Chairman Ambassador Gousal Azam Sarkar chaired the inaugural session, and Director General Major General Iftekhar Anis gave the welcome speech.
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori Iwama, addressing the event, stressed that trust between Bangladesh and India is vital for fostering collaboration across the region.
"As a friend of Bangladesh and India, Japan believes the relationship based on mutual trust between the two countries is essential to exploring regional connectivity," he said.
He also praised recent foreign office consultations between Dhaka and Delhi, noting their relevance to achieving regional stability.
Iwama reiterated the importance of the spirit of connectivity transcending borders and politics to ensure mutual growth. "Creating the trust needed for regional stability is crucial," he said, urging Bangladesh and India to work closely.
Taking part in the discussion, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said, "Hence, our collective task is to align diverse interests, ensuring that the Bay of Bengal becomes a region of collaboration rather than conflict; a hub of connectivity rather than contention."
He also underlined Bangladesh's strategic role in regional connectivity, stating, "With its strategic location and growing industrial base, Bangladesh is uniquely poised to become a regional transit hub and a key player in the global value chain. However, this requires addressing pressing challenges and seizing emerging opportunities."
He said by fostering strategic partnerships, embracing a unified vision, and adopting innovative approaches, we can unlock the vast potential of this region, benefiting all stakeholders and creating a legacy of prosperity for future generations.
"Peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar and consequently in the region, unless the Rohingyas lodged in Bangladesh can go back to their homes with security and rights," he said.
Referring to his recent attendance at the informal consultation in Bangkok on the Myanmar situation at the invitation of the Thai foreign minister, he said that he warned them that without the secured and dignified return of Rohingyas to Rakhine, peace and order would not be established there.
The foreign ministers of Myanmar and Laos, the deputy foreign minister of China, and the Indian foreign secretary also attended that crucial meeting last Thursday.
"It is incumbent on Myanmar and the regional powers to create a congenial atmosphere for their return," said the foreign adviser.
Noting that a civil war situation is currently prevailing in Myanmar, he said that in the last seven years, 1.2 million Rohingyas, who were forcibly displaced from the Rakhine state under extreme atrocities, have been sheltered in Bangladesh.
"There has been no progress in their repatriation, and the situation is further complicated by a non-state actor, the Arakan Army, taking control of the entire border with Bangladesh," he said.
In a working session, economist Dr Selim Raihan identified political and economic challenges as major obstacles to regional integration among Bay of Bengal nations, including Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
"The bilateral political issues have been made a hostage to the deadlock," he said. While some progress has been made, he noted that agreements often lack implementation.
Fahmida Khatun, executive director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, stressed the importance of political consultation.
"If we do not have good political relations, we will not be able to do well. Political consultation is crucial," she said.
Shams Mahmud, president of the Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, suggested drawing inspiration from ASEAN countries to strengthen ties with neighbours like India.
The seminar featured contributions from BIISS Director General Maj Gen Iftekhar Anis, Comos Foundation Bay of Bengal President Tariq A Karim, IDE-JETRO President Kimura Fukunari, Economic Integration Studies Group, Development Studies Center Director Umezaki So, Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman and CEO M Masrur Reaz, Toyo University Department of Regional Development Studies Professor Tsubota Kenmei, and other regional experts.
