Diplomatic Correspondent

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday sought support from the elite of Thai society in Dhaka’s efforts to join the Association of South East Asian Nations."That is where our future is,” the Chief Adviser told Thai dignitaries at a breakfast meeting at a hotel in the Thai capital city.Bangladesh has planned to join the ASEAN as its sectoral dialogue partner, but Professor Yunus said the ultimate goal is to join as a full member of the key regional group.The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh believes in multilateralism, and it is a proud member of SAARC and BIMSTEC.

He said the regional groups should step up their efforts to foster economic growth and bring people closer.Thai leaders, including former Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, a former deputy prime minister, top business leaders; bankers; academics and civil society leaders, joined the meeting, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told thedailycountrytodaybd.The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh hopes to get support from top ASEAN nations, including Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, for the membership.Prof Yunus also stressed greater collaboration between peoples of Thailand and Bangladesh, saying both nations share similar histories and challenges."This will be the beginning of the relationship we want to build," he said, referring to the meeting.The Chief Adviser also weighed in on the recent development in global trade, saying the world could use the "disorder" to its benefits."Disorder can shake up things," he said, adding,"We need greater collaboration. Can we rethink a new business model?"The Chief Adviser highlighted recent changes in Bangladesh and the student-led uprising, which has toppled a brutal dictatorship and helped usher in a new era in the country.Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, High Representative of the CA, Dr Khalilur Rahman, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin were also present during the meeting.