Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain called for transforming the Bay of Bengal into a hub of collaboration and sustainable development, while Japan's Ambassador to Bangladesh, Iwama Kiminori stressed the need for mutual trust between Dhaka and Delhi to unlock the region's connectivity potential.
Addressing the inaugural session of an international seminar in Dhaka yesterday, Touhid highlighted the Bay of Bengal's strategic importance and urged nations to align their interests to avoid conflict and competition.
"The Bay of Bengal is now witnessing heightened attention from regional and global powers. While this reflects its increasing significance, it also raises the stakes for cooperation and competition," he said.
Iwama, addressing the same 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.
Mutual trust between Bangladesh and India essential for regional connectivity: Japanese ambassador
The seminar, titled "Reconnecting the Bay of Bengal Region: Exploring the Convergence of Interests," was jointly organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO), with sponsorship from the Japanese Embassy.
Touhid described the Bay as a historical nexus of connection, commerce, and culture, which remains a vital maritime crossroads linking South and Southeast Asia to the global economy.
"By fostering strategic partnerships 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," he said.
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."
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.
Addressing challenges to integration
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 kind of made a hostage to the deadlock," he said. While some progress has been made, he noted that agreements often lack implementation.
Bay of Bengal must be a region of collaboration, says foreign affairs adviser
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.
Speakers collectively called for enhanced trust, political dialogue, and cooperation to unlock the immense opportunities offered by the Bay of Bengal's strategic location and resources.
