ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh has called for reviving South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) and strengthening regional cooperation as Dhaka is committed to promoting peace and integration amid evolving global and regional challenges.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, who has recently met leaders from Pakistan at Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye, in an interview with TRT World maintained that Bangladesh’s recent democratic transition has provided a strong foundation for stable governance and forward-looking foreign policy.
The Saarc was fractured by India soon after assuming office by the current Indian Prime Minister Modi.
He described the transition as “historic,” marked by a peaceful election and a strong public mandate, which he said ensures political stability and vibrant policy debate through an active parliament, civil society and free press.
Highlighting South Asia’s low level of integration, Dr Khalilulr Rahman noted that intra-regional trade accounts for only around five percent despite the region hosting nearly a quarter of the world’s population. Recalling the role of Shaheed BD President General Ziaur Rahman in initiating regional cooperation, he said reviving the Saarc remains a top foreign policy priority of new BD Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
“Through dialogue and diplomacy, we can overcome barriers and unlock the region’s full potential,” he said. On global peace, minister Khalilulr who is contesting for 81st session of the World Body, said that Bangladesh’s approach begins with domestic stability, followed by regional cooperation and constructive engagement in resolving longstanding issues such as the Rohingya crisis. He said Dhaka is maintaining contact with all relevant parties to pursue a peaceful solution to the crisis.
Kahlilul Rahman also highlighted Bangladesh’s significant contribution to UN peacekeeping missions, noting that Bangladeshi peacekeepers play a broader role in rebuilding communities beyond their mandated duties. “They build roads, schools and support communities, helping lay the foundation for sustainable peace,” he said. The BD foreign minister also dilated upon his country’s ties with Turkiye and wellbeing of BD diaspora present in various countries.
