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Geography shuts door on Bangladesh’s ASEAN membership bid
Published : Sunday, 2 August, 2026 at 1:40 PM
Observer Online Report
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn has said that Bangladesh along with Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been effectively blocked from joining the international alliance unless there is a major policy change.
He added, due to geographical location, Bangladesh and Papua New Guinea do not meet the required qualifications to become members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The statement was made at the 10th ASEAN Media Forum held recently in Manila, capital of Philippines. Indonesian media outlet Jakarta Globe reported the news on July 31.
However, no other news agencies were seen reporting this matter.
At the media forum, Kao Kim Hourn said that ASEAN's expansion has effectively been completed by including Timor-Leste.
He said, "According to the ASEAN Charter, only 11 countries recognized as being located in Southeast Asia are included in this alliance. Bangladesh and Papua New Guinea are not eligible to become members as they are located outside this geographical region."
Why Bangladesh cannot join ASEAN?
The ASEAN Charter sets the legal framework for the regional bloc, mandating that any new member state must be located within the recognized geographical region of Southeast Asia.
However, Bangladesh is geographically located in South Asia, while Papua New Guinea (PNG) belongs to the Oceania region.
Secretary-General Hourn stated that the ASEAN Charter must be amended first if either Bangladesh or Papua New Guinea wishes to join the alliance. Such an amendment would require unanimous approval from all member states of the bloc.
Previously, Timor-Leste joined the ASEAN on the year 2025. Reflecting on the lengthy process, Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta remarked, "It's easier to go to heaven than to join ASEAN!"
Meanwhile, Bangladesh has been continuing its diplomatic efforts for a long time to secure ASEAN membership.
During Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN last year, Dhaka sought support from Kuala Lumpur.
On the other hand, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has publicly voiced support for PNG's inclusion.
Speaking at the 2025 ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, he urged considering PNG's participation to build a stronger alliance during times of regional uncertainty.
-SA
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
