Diplomatic Correspondent

Bangladesh has redoubled its efforts to achieve the status of Sectoral Dialogue Partner (SDP) to the ASEAN since the interim government assumed office in August 2024.

Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin made this remark during a discussion on "ASEAN-Bangladesh Relationship: A Way Forward" held on Monday at Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).

The event organized by BIISS in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs brought together academics, experts, researchers, former Bangladesh envoys in ASEAN countries, Dhaka based ASEAN diplomats, and representatives from public and private sectors to synthesize views of all relevant stakeholders for expediting Bangladesh's effort to become SDP to ASEAN.

The event was chaired by the Director General of BIISS Major General Iftekhar Anis.

In the panel discussion, Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser, Pacific Research Center of Malaysia and Senior Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs, Prof. ASM Ali Ashraf of University of Dhaka, Prof. Shahab Enam Khan of Jahangirnagar University and M Ashique Rahman, Senior Research Fellow of BIISS shared their views on the possible components of Bangladesh's roadmap to achieve SDP status and associated challenges.

Referring to the attainment of SDP status as one of the top foreign policy agendas, the Foreign Secretary expressed optimism that the growing multi-sectoral engagement with ASEAN would pave the way to transform our aspiration into reality.

He also mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been pursuing the matter closely with the ASEAN members for their support to our bid. Bangladesh welcomes constructive suggestions from the experts and stakeholders, the Foreign Secretary noted.

The roundtable came up with a set of recommendations to engage with ASEAN through diverse activities in different tracks. The event was organized as a part of the Ministry’s continued endeavor for wider engagement with ASEAN.