Diplomatic Desk:
BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey hosted an iftar and dinner at the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka on Monday (March 9, 2026). State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam and State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat were present at the event. Diplomats, government officials and media luminaries were also present at the event.
In his speech, Shama Obaid Islam said that he was very happy to participate in this gathering. He sincerely thanked the BIMSTEC Secretary General and said that such an event during the holy month of Ramadan further strengthens the values of friendship, mutual respect, cooperation and regional partnership.
He said that the Bay of Bengal region has long been known as a meeting place for different civilizations. Historically deep ties have been established between the people of the region through trade, culture and knowledge exchange. This historical connection has laid the foundation for today’s rich cultural diversity and common heritage.
He further said that BIMSTEC is a continuation of this historical relationship, through which member countries can work together to ensure peace, trust and sustainable development.
Shama Obaid Islam said that currently, almost one-fourth of the world’s population lives in the BIMSTEC region. This region with huge potential has a rapidly growing economy, a young population and an abundance of natural resources. However, at the same time, there are challenges such as climate change, energy security, economic transformation and strengthening regional connectivity.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh’s foreign policy gives special importance to regional cooperation. Bangladesh conducts international relations by prioritizing sovereignty, national interests and the welfare of the people.
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs further said that currently, as the Chairman of BIMSTEC, Bangladesh is working to make the organization more effective and fruitful. Economic diplomacy is one of the main priorities of Bangladesh’s foreign policy. The government is giving importance to expanding trade, attracting foreign investment, technology transfer and increasing cooperation in the energy and connectivity sectors.
He said that it is very important to finalize the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) quickly to increase regional trade and investment. At the same time, Bangladesh is also emphasizing on increasing connectivity between South and Southeast Asia and reviving the regional cooperation framework.
Meanwhile, BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey, while addressing the event, said that he sincerely thanked everyone present at the Iftar. He mentioned that the holy month of Ramadan teaches self-restraint, sacrifice, compassion and humanity among people.
He said that the practice of fasting or restraint is present in many religions and it awakens a sense of discipline and spirituality among people. To build a beautiful world, people need to start changing from within themselves.
The BIMSTEC Secretary General said that the current world is going through a turbulent time with various wars and conflicts. International law and humanitarian law are being violated frequently, and economic instability is also fueling extremism and other international challenges.
In this context, he noted that the importance of regional cooperation is greater than ever before.
He said that BIMSTEC, which consists of seven countries bordering the Bay of Bengal, has developed various institutional structures to enhance cooperation over the past 28 years and is implementing joint initiatives in various sectors.
He also noted that as a non-political organization, BIMSTEC has been working by prioritizing issues related to human welfare.
The Secretary General further said that BIMSTEC will play an important role in ensuring security and sustainable development in the region in the future due to the strong commitment of the member countries.
He concluded his speech by expressing the hope that the BIMSTEC Secretariat will work closely under the guidance of the Government of Bangladesh.
