Play store
Bangladesh is committed to taking its longstanding historical, cultural and economic ties with the ASEAN member states to new heights, Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid said on Monday.
“Bangladesh shares longstanding ties with ASEAN member states rooted in history, culture and mutual trust,” he said, highlighting growing connectivity, people-to-people contacts and trade relations between Bangladesh and Southeast Asia.
The minister was speaking as the chief guest at a reception hosted by the ASEAN Dhaka Committee (ADC), comprising the heads of ASEAN diplomatic missions in Bangladesh, at Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel to mark the 59th ASEAN Day.
He said the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attaches the highest importance to relations with all 11 ASEAN member states and is keen to deepen engagement with the regional bloc.
Rashid noted that the Prime Minister had chosen Malaysia for his first official foreign visit, expressing hope that the trip would further strengthen bilateral relations as well as broader regional cooperation.
Bangladesh seeks closer ASEAN partnership
The minister said Bangladesh has formally applied for Sectoral Dialogue Partner (SDP) status with ASEAN as part of its efforts to institutionalise and sustain closer engagement with the 11-member regional bloc.
“A closer association with the ASEAN family will render our relationship far more meaningful and multifaceted,” he said, describing ASEAN as one of the world’s most successful regional organisations.
He sought the support of ASEAN ambassadors and high commissioners present at the reception for Bangladesh’s bid for SDP status.
The initiative comes as Bangladesh seeks to expand its engagement with Southeast Asian economies and diversify its diplomatic, trade and economic partnerships.
Focus on fisheries, tourism and ICT
Rashid highlighted a number of sectoral initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation between Bangladesh and ASEAN countries.
Among them is the ongoing $1 million Bangladesh-ASEAN Cooperation Project on Fisheries and Aquaculture, being implemented by his ministry.
He said additional joint initiatives in tourism, information and communications technology and culture were also in the pipeline, creating further opportunities for cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic and trade relations.
The minister also pointed to expanding land and maritime connectivity, saying stronger links could facilitate trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
“Bangladesh shares longstanding ties with ASEAN member states,” he said, adding that the government wants to build on those ties for the mutual benefit of Bangladesh and ASEAN countries.
ASEAN envoys attend reception
Chair of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee and Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohammad Shuhada Othman, Philippine Ambassador Neena Padilla Cinglet, other ASEAN heads of mission, senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders and civil society representatives attended the reception.
The event also highlighted Bangladesh’s agricultural and culinary heritage, with guests served traditional Bangladeshi dishes, including biryani prepared with indigenous Kalijira rice and dishes featuring Black Bengal Goat, a Geographical Indication (GI) product.
The reception formed part of activities marking the 59th anniversary of ASEAN and provided an opportunity for Bangladesh and ASEAN representatives to reaffirm their commitment to closer cooperation and stronger people-to-people ties.