The Foreign Policy initiatives under the current Government of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina always manifest unwavering commitment toward stronger regional ties. BIMSTEC forum as a tool for economic development through regional integration bears great meaning and significance for Bangladesh. We draw inspiration for peace and development from the Father of our Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who in his speech on 6 February 1972 in Kolkata had said, “Let there be an end, once for all, to the sterile policy of confrontation between neighbours. Let us not fritter away our national resources but use them to lift the standard of living of our people… We will be wanting to cooperate with all concerned for creating an area of peace in South Asia.” Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was one of the four founding leaders who had inspired the launching of the BIMSTEC in 1997. Her government attaches high priority to transform the BIMSTEC process more dynamic, effective and to strengthening the institutional mechanism for bringing out more results. Hosting the BIMSTEC Secretariat since 2014 in Dhaka is a testimony of our commitment to the BIMSTEC process.

—H.E. Mr. Syed Muazzem Ali, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India