Dhaka: Bangladesh has expressed its intent to formally join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), highlighting the organization’s success and optimism for deepening future relations. “As we celebrate the 59th anniversary of its establishment, we remain hopeful that ASEAN’s relations with Bangladesh will grow ever more meaningful, particularly with Bangladesh’s formal acceptance into the ASEAN family,” stated Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid. He addressed the audience as the chief guest at a reception, attended by several dignitaries including the Chairman of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee (ADC) and Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Minister emphasized that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first state visit to Malaysia had a significant positive impact, advancing Bangladesh-ASEAN relations. To further solidify these ties, Bangladesh has applied for Sectoral Dialogue Partner status with ASEAN, highlighting several initiatives to enhance sectoral cooperation.
ADC Chairman and Malaysian High Commissioner Shuhada Othman reaffirmed the commitment of ASEAN Missions in Bangladesh to strengthening the partnership. He underscored the value of Bangladesh as a close friend and an increasingly important partner in South Asia, expressing hope for further deepening the partnership in the future.
Bangladesh is currently implementing a cooperation project with ASEAN focused on Fisheries and Aquaculture, with a budget of nearly USD 0.5 million. Additional projects in tourism, ICT, MSMEs, and culture are also underway. The Fisheries Minister sought continued support from ASEAN Heads of Mission for Bangladesh’s application for Sectoral Dialogue Partner status, citing shared history, culture, and robust trade relations as foundations for elevating the relationship.
Highlighting the importance of Bangladesh-ASEAN ties, the Malaysian High Commissioner noted the significance of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Malaysia, an ASEAN member state, as his first official trip. This gesture underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to engaging more deeply with ASEAN and strengthening Southeast Asian connections.
ASEAN, with its dynamic economy and a population exceeding 680 million, offers immense potential. Bangladesh, with its large, youthful population, brings significant strengths to this partnership. The growing bonds between ASEAN and Bangladesh are also mirrored in the activities of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee, which is dedicated to enhancing the longstanding partnership.
Shuhada Othman concluded by highlighting the collective activities and engagements carried out by ASEAN Missions in Bangladesh to foster closer ties and create greater awareness of opportunities between the two regions. He stated that these efforts reflect both the existing friendship and the potential for deeper cooperation in the future, celebrating not only ASEAN’s achievements but also the friendships and partnerships shaping a shared future.