Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to fostering regional cooperation among Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) member states, as the country currently chairs the bloc. Speaking at a Dhaka reception marking BIMSTEC’s 29th anniversary on 8 June 2026, Ms. Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh, said that BIMSTEC is a “unique bridge” linking South and Southeast Asia and said regional cooperation is a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s foreign policy.

She noted priorities for building a prosperous Bay of Bengal region, including seamless multimodal connectivity, enhanced trade and investment, technology transfer, stronger supply chains, and deeper people-to-people contacts. She also urged strengthening the bloc’s institutional foundations by operationalizing the BIMSTEC Charter and ensuring sectoral cooperation mechanisms are resourced and coordinated.

Mr. Indra Mani Pandey, BIMSTEC Secretary General, said that BIMSTEC has made substantial progress across multiple sectors and developed the institutional framework needed to operate effectively as a regional body.

Established on 6 June 1997, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

• Bangladesh reaffirms commitment to open, connected Bay of Bengal region
• Bangladesh reaffirms commitment to BIMSTEC regional cooperation
• Bangladesh pledges continued regional cooperation with BIMSTEC
• Bangladesh reaffirms commitment to BIMSTEC regional cooperation