- Professor Muhammad Yunus departed Dhaka for Bangkok to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.
- He will deliver a keynote at the BIMSTEC Young Gen Forum on April 3.
- A meeting between Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled for April 4.
- Bangladesh is set to assume BIMSTEC chairmanship for the next two years.
- The summit aims to adopt the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement and a Maritime Transport Cooperation pact.
Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:55 am today, en route to Bangkok, Thailand, to participate in the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit. His departure was confirmed by Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.
The summit, scheduled for April 4, is considered pivotal for Bangladesh as the nation prepares to assume the chairmanship of BIMSTEC for the forthcoming two years. This leadership role presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to advocate for a “just and inclusive” regional collaboration framework.
Professor Yunus to Address Young Entrepreneurs
Professor Yunus will deliver a keynote speech at the BIMSTEC Young Gen Forum on April 3. The event will take place at ICONSIAM in Bangkok. It will inspire young entrepreneurs and encourage idea exchange.
Organizers highlight Dr. Yunus’s crucial role in promoting youth activities across BIMSTEC nations. They believe his insights will motivate young business leaders. The forum will also help entrepreneurs explore new opportunities.
Professor Yunus will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 4. Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary, Md Jashim Uddin, says this meeting could “strengthen and deepen” ties between both nations. It may also boost regional peace.
Agenda and Expected Outcomes of the Summit
The 6th BIMSTEC Summit, with the theme “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC,” aims to boost collaboration among member states. This effort targets shared security and developmental challenges. In doing so, the summit seeks to create lasting solutions.
Moreover, key agreements, such as the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement and the Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation, are expected to be signed. These pacts will, in turn, enhance trade, investment, and maritime connectivity across the member countries.
Thailand, which currently holds the BIMSTEC chair, is hosting the summit from April 2 to 4 in Bangkok. During this event, leaders from member states, including Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, will make an appearance. This visit will be his rare international appearance since the 2021 coup.
Additionally, Bangladesh will take over the BIMSTEC chairmanship, aligning with its broader vision to foster regional cooperation and economic integration. Officials are hopeful that the summit will highlight Bangladesh’s role in promoting inclusive development in South and Southeast Asia.
Furthermore, Professor Muhammad Yunus’s participation underscores Bangladesh’s ongoing commitment to regional collaboration. His keynote speech at the Young Gen Forum and his anticipated meeting with Prime Minister Modi will further strengthen ties within the BIMSTEC framework.