New york: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has announced that Bangladesh is working to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and is actively pursuing membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). “We envision Bangladesh as a key bridge between SAARC and ASEAN. Our application for a Sectoral Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN is a step toward eventual full membership,” he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Yunus made these remarks during a meeting with President of Finland Alexander Stubb on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in the USA. The discussions covered a wide range of issues, including the upcoming general elections in Bangladesh, United Nations reform, the Rohingya crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, and Bangladesh’s bid to join ASEAN. Other topics included the trials of Sheikh Hasina and her associates, as well as the country’s efforts to access hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan.
Prof Yunus expressed gratitude to the international community for its support of the interim government since it took office in August last year. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections in February next year, allowing over 126 million voters to participate peacefully.
The Chief Adviser also mentioned that significant political and institutional reforms are in progress in Bangladesh. He highlighted that political parties are expected to sign the ‘July Charter’, a framework aimed at deeper political reform. He emphasized the importance of conducting trials of Sheikh Hasina and her associates according to international legal standards.
During the meeting, President Stubb expressed concerns about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the need for United Nations reform to enhance its global effectiveness. Prof Yunus echoed these sentiments, stating that the UN has become largely ineffective in addressing major global crises.
Both leaders discussed the Rohingya crisis and the necessity for increased international funding to support over one million Rohingyas hosted by Bangladesh. They also explored regional connectivity, particularly Bangladesh’s role in providing access to the Chattogram Port for landlocked Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s northeastern states, which is expected to boost regional economic growth.
Bangladesh’s Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan and SDG Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed were present at the meeting.