Renewed political trust, stronger institutional cooperation and sustained regional dialogue are essential to revitalising the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) and unlocking the region’s economic and strategic potential, speakers said at a seminar in Dhaka today (6 July).
The seminar, titled “Rebuilding Trust, Renewing Regional Integration: Pathways for Revitalising SAARC”, was organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) at its auditorium in the capital.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam attended the event as the chief guest, while BIISS Director General Major General ASM Ridwanur Rahman chaired the seminar and delivered the welcome address.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Ambassador Tariq A Karim, adviser to the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies at Independent University, Bangladesh, and distinguished visiting research fellow at the Institute of South Asia Studies, National University of Singapore.
The seminar also featured a panel discussion with Professor Dr Niloy Ranjan Biswas of the Department of International Relations at the University of Dhaka and Md Shamsul Haque, former additional foreign secretary (Saarc and BIMSTEC) and chief executive officer of Coders Trust Bangladesh.
An interactive discussion followed, during which participants exchanged views on the structural limitations that have constrained Saarc’s effectiveness, the impact of regional geopolitical dynamics and opportunities for advancing functional cooperation despite political differences.
In her address, Shama Obaed reaffirmed Bangladesh’s longstanding commitment to regional cooperation and stressed the importance of revitalising Saarc as a platform for promoting peace, stability, economic prosperity and sustainable development in South Asia.
She said renewed regional dialogue and stronger institutional cooperation are indispensable for addressing shared challenges and realising the region’s economic and strategic potential.
The seminar was attended by senior officials from various ministries and government agencies, ambassadors, high commissioners, former diplomats, senior civil and military officials, representatives of regional and international organisations, academics, researchers, university teachers and students, media representatives and policy practitioners.
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