Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has underscored the critical role of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in fostering regional cooperation, describing SAARC as a family of closely-knit members. This sentiment was expressed during an event hosted by Asia Society in the USA, where Professor Yunus highlighted the organization’s potential to bridge gaps among South Asian nations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the concept of SAARC originated in Bangladesh, which championed its formation across all South Asian countries. Speaking at the event titled “A Conversation with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus,” moderated by Asia Society’s President Kyung wha Kang, Professor Yunus emphasized the importance of allowing young people to connect and collaborate across regional boundaries.
Professor Yunus articulated the vision of facilitating interactions among South Asian countries, enabling students to study and conduct business across borders. “Our history provides us the chance to realize this vision, but political dynamics in certain countries have hindered progress,” he remarked, expressing regret over these setbacks and underscoring the necessity of overcoming political barriers to unite the region.
He illustrated the narrow perspective of confining economic activities within Bangladesh’s geographical boundaries and advocated for looking beyond to neighboring regions like Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s seven eastern states, which are landlocked. The Chief Adviser also touched on the challenges faced with Myanmar, particularly concerning the Rohingya issue, and expressed optimism about resolving these conflicts for mutual benefit.
Professor Yunus proposed the potential for Bangladesh to become an informal member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), citing regional harmony and interconnectivity as benefits. He also pointed out the tensions between Bangladesh and India, attributing them to misinformation and political disagreements, and criticized the spread of fake news that exacerbates these tensions.
In conclusion, Professor Yunus reiterated the importance of SAARC in promoting cross-border investments and economic collaboration, stating, “You have to go through Bangladesh. You can invest in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is going to invest in your territory. That’s what the whole idea of the SAARC.”