Bangladesh on Friday assumed the chairmanship of the regional grouping – Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) – for the next two years.
Upon receiving the Chairmanship from the Prime Minister of Thailand, Chief Adviser of Interim Government of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus made a statement of acceptance, underscoring an inclusive and action-oriented Bimstec.
Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation and development. The Bimstec comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand
The transition is scheduled to take place at the end of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit being held in Bangkok, Thailand, where leaders of the seven-member regional bloc – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand – gathered to discuss pressing regional issues under the theme “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC.” Bangladesh will take over the chairmanship from Thailand, which hosted this year’s summit.
The transition will be marked by an official handover ceremony, where the Thai prime minister will deliver her closing remarks and the Bangladesh chief adviser will outline the country’s vision for the bloc during its tenure.