Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies
The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organized a Roundtable on “SAARC Nearing 50: Challenges and Way Forward” on 03 December 2024. The event was graced by H E Md Golan Sarwar, Secretary General of SAARC, as the Guest of Honour. Chaired by Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman of BIISS, and with opening remarks by Major General Iftekhar Anis, Director General of BIISS, the event featured presentations by Dr Razia Sultana on regional unity and Md Shamsul Haque on revitalising SAARC. An interactive discussion followed with regional experts. In his concluding remarks, H E Md Golan Sarwar highlighted SAARC’s significance, ongoing initiatives, and the importance of prioritizing the regional forum for the well-being of South Asian people.
The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organized a Roundtable on “SAARC Nearing 50: Challenges and Way Forward” on 03 December 2024. The event was graced by H E Md Golan Sarwar, Secretary General SAARC, who attended as the Guest of Honour. Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman of BIISS, chaired the event, and Major General Iftekhar Anis, BSP, awc, afwc, psc, Peng, Director General of BIISS, delivered the Welcome Remarks.
Dr Razia Sultana, Senior Research Fellow, BIISS, made a presentation on “SAARC Nearing 50: Strengthening Regional Unity for a Brighter Future”. Md Shamsul Haque, Former Additional Foreign Secretary (SAARC & BIMSTEC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered his presentation on “Way Forward to Revitalising SAARC: Outlining the Direction”. Afterward, an open discussion session was held and participated by relevant experts on regional and sub-regional cooperation and SAARC. The resource persons had their valuable opinions, comments, suggestions, and observations during the open discussion session.
Finally, the Guest of Honour of the Roundtable discussion, H E Md Golan Sarwar, Secretary General, SAARC, delivered his insightful speech and highlighted SAARC’s significance as a regional forum for the betterment of the people of South Asia. He briefed current activities of SAARC, its Regional Centres and Specialised Bodies. In this context, he pointed out that despite the establishment of several other sub-regional forums after SAARC, none had attained even half of SAARC's accomplishments. Therefore, he emphasised the necessity of prioritising SAARC and consistently promoting its significance for the well-being of the people in the region.
