by RK Desk
Dhaka | July 20, 2026
Bangladesh has called on member states of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to play a stronger role in increasing international pressure on Myanmar to help achieve a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam made the call while speaking at a seminar titled “Three Decades of BIMSTEC: Advancing Regional Cooperation for Shared Prosperity,” held at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in Dhaka.
She said the international community must continue exerting pressure on Myanmar to create conditions for the safe, voluntary, and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees to their homeland. She added that BIMSTEC member states can make an important contribution by working together toward that goal.
The minister also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening BIMSTEC and promoting peace, cooperation, and sustainable development across the Bay of Bengal region. She said regional commitments must be translated into concrete action through closer cooperation and more effective implementation.
As the current Chair of BIMSTEC, Bangladesh will continue to promote regional connectivity, trade, investment, the Blue Economy, and people-centered cooperation across the region, she said.
BIMSTEC Secretary General Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey highlighted the organization’s ongoing work in areas including women’s empowerment, climate adaptation, energy cooperation, drug control, cybersecurity, maritime security, counterterrorism, tourism, visa facilitation, trade, and investment.
The seminar also featured presentations and discussions by researchers and policy experts reviewing BIMSTEC’s progress over the past three decades. Participants explored ways to strengthen the organization, improve regional connectivity, expand economic cooperation, and promote peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Participants also emphasized the need for stronger practical cooperation and closer partnerships among BIMSTEC member states to better address shared regional challenges, including the Rohingya crisis.
