Bangladesh-ASEAN partnership poised for stronger cooperation: Envoy

Chairman of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee (ADC) and Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman has said the ASEAN Missions in Bangladesh remain firmly committed to strengthening their longstanding partnership. 

"We value Bangladesh as a close friend and an increasingly important partner in South Asia," he said, noting that they look forward to building on this positive momentum and further deepening their partnership in the years ahead.

Speaking at a reception marking the 59th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Monday night, the High Commissioner said they believe that Bangladesh and ASEAN can complement each other’s strengths, creating opportunities that are mutually beneficial and contributing to shared prosperity.

Heads of Mission representing ASEAN countries, diplomats stationed in Dhaka, representatives from businesses, civil society and the media were present.

Speaking as the chief guest, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid said they regard ASEAN as one of the most successful regional organizations in the world.

"As we celebrate the 59th anniversary of its establishment, we remain hopeful that ASEAN's relations with Bangladesh will grow ever more meaningful, particularly with Bangladesh's formal acceptance into the ASEAN family," he said.

The Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to the ASEAN friends. "May the Bangladesh-ASEAN partnership continue to grow in the years ahead."

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman undertook his first state visit to Malaysia, which has left a positive impression, further advancing Bangladesh-ASEAN relations.

To further strengthen the relationship, the Minister said Bangladesh applied for Sectoral Dialogue Partner status with ASEAN. 

"We have already undertaken a number of initiatives to enhance our sectoral cooperation with ASEAN," he said.

Bangladesh is implementing the Bangladesh-ASEAN cooperation project on Fisheries and Aquaculture, with a budget of nearly USD 0.5 million.

Additional projects in other sectors, including tourism, ICT, MSMEs, and culture, are currently underway.

"I would seek the continued support of the ASEAN Heads of Mission present here today in favourably considering Bangladesh's application for Sectoral Dialogue Partner status," said the Fisheries Minister.

He said Bangladesh shares special bonds with ASEAN as a close neighbour. "Our ties date back many centuries, rooted in shared history, culture, and faith, and connected by common borders both by land and by sea."

The Minister said they maintain strong people-to-people contacts and robust trade relations. "These links give us good reasons to elevate our relationship to the next level, for our mutual and collective benefit."

He said the present government of Bangladesh, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has given high priority to Bangladesh's relationship with ASEAN and its 11 member states. 

The Malaysian High Commissioner said the close relationship between Bangladesh and ASEAN is perhaps best exemplified by the recent visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to an ASEAN member state, Malaysia, as the destination for his first official visit.

"This significant gesture underscores the importance Bangladesh attaches to its broader engagement with ASEAN. It reflects Bangladesh’s strong interest in deepening its partnership with ASEAN and strengthening its connections with Southeast Asia," said the envoy.

ASEAN, home to more than 680 million people and one of the world’s most dynamic economies, possesses immense potential, he said, adding that Bangladesh, too, brings significant strengths to this partnership, most notably its large and youthful population, with growing skills, aspirations and potential.

The High Commissioner said the growing bonds between ASEAN and Bangladesh are also reflected in the work of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee as they remain firmly committed to strengthening their longstanding partnership. 

"Through our collective activities, engagements and outreach throughout the year, the ASEAN Missions in Bangladesh have sought to bring ASEAN closer to the Bangladeshi people, while creating greater awareness of the opportunities that exist between our two regions," he said.

From trade and investment to education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, the envoy said, these efforts reflect both the warmth of our existing friendship and the immense potential for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.

"Let us continue to celebrate not only the achievements of ASEAN, but also the friendships and partnerships that will shape our shared future," Shuhada Othman said.