Dhaka initiates efforts to re-activate SAARC
Shama Obaid Islam pictured in the inset. Agamir Somoy graphics.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) must be kept free from bilateral disputes. She made this statement on Monday while addressing a seminar titled "Re-building Trust, Re-renewing Regional Integration: Pathways for Revitalizing SAARC," organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).
The State Minister pointed out that the SAARC Charter explicitly states bilateral and contentious issues cannot be brought into discussions. This principle needs to be reaffirmed. In her view, SAARC should not be used to force two countries into political dialogue. Instead, its purpose should be to ensure that bilateral tensions do not paralyze every area of regional cooperation.
Shama Obaed believes that SAARC must endure as an inclusive South Asian platform. She said, "Its value lies within a cooperative framework that brings the entire region together. We should keep the doors open for all members. At the same time, we must ensure that mutual technical and developmental cooperation is sustained."
"SAARC provides a platform where smaller nations can speak collectively, where India can demonstrate constructive regional leadership, where Pakistan can remain engaged within a broader South Asian framework, and where joint problems can be solved despite unresolved political disputes. For Bangladesh, this is a space where history and the future converge," she added.
The State Minister stated, "We are optimistic and at the same time realistic. We are not claiming that SAARC can return to full political normalcy overnight. Nor do we accept the pessimistic claim that nothing can be done."
Shama Obaed announced that in the coming months, in consultation with member states, Dhaka is considering a series of confidence-building initiatives. These will include engagement with the ambassadors and high commissioners of SAARC nations stationed in Dhaka, as well as discussions with the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu. There will also be the possibility of hosting senior officials' meetings and a special ministerial session.
The State Minister believes, "SAARC today stands in anticipation of efficient leadership, pragmatic cooperation, and renewed confidence. Bangladesh is ready to contribute to building that confidence."
