Dhaka, Aug 17 (V7N) – State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to revitalising the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), stressing sustained political engagement, cultural initiatives and wider stakeholder participation to reinvigorate the regional grouping .
She made the remarks when outgoing SAARC Secretary General Ambassador Golam Sarwar paid a farewell call on her at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to a foreign ministry press release .
Shama highlighted the Foreign Ministry's intention to play a more proactive role in revitalising SAARC and strengthening regional cooperation in South Asia. Both sides underscored the importance of renewed political attention and sustained efforts to reinvigorate the SAARC process .
Golam Sarwar briefed the State Minister on the current state of SAARC and stressed the need for initiatives to overcome various challenges facing the regional organisation . He highlighted the continuation of SAARC's regular activities and programmes supported by development partners, and informed that the SAARC Development Report is expected to be released by the end of 2026 .
Shama appreciated Sarwar's stewardship of the forum and expressed firm confidence that the momentum achieved during his tenure would continue under his successor. She assured Bangladesh's continued support and cooperation in advancing the SAARC process .
SAARC, headquartered in Kathmandu, was established in December 1985 to promote regional cooperation and improve the welfare and quality of life of the peoples of South Asia . However, the eight-member regional forum remains in severe stagnation due to the deep political stalemate and rivalry between India and Pakistan . The last SAARC summit was held in 2014, and the 2016 summit scheduled in Islamabad was cancelled after other members joined India in boycotting it following the Uri attack.
Bangladesh has been among the countries pushing for the revival of the regional body, with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman reaffirming the country's unwavering support for the SAARC process in earlier meetings this year.
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