Dhaka doesn't need to choose between Saarc, Bimstec: Shama Obaed

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today (6 July) said Bangladesh does not need to choose between Saarc and Bimstec, stressing that these platforms should complement each other, not compete with one another.

"Bimstec connects South Asia with the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia. Saarc represents the broadest South Asian regional identity, including countries that are not part of Bimstec," she said while highlighting the relationship between Saarc and other regional or sub-regional platforms, particularly Bimstec.

Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar, the State Minister said sub-regional initiatives should not drain momentum away from Saarc; rather, they should become building blocks for wider regional cooperation.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, she said, a confident Bangladesh can support both the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec), because both serve the national interest in connectivity, stability, prosperity, and development.

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (Biiss) organised the seminar titled "Rebuilding Trust, Renewing Regional Integration: Pathways for Revitalising Saarc."

Advisor, Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies, Independent University, Bangladesh, and Visiting Research Fellow, Institute of South Asia Studies, National University of Singapore, Tariq A Karim made a keynote presentation.

Former Additional Foreign Secretary (Saarc & Bimstec), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and CEO, CodersTrust Bangladesh, Md Shamsul Haque, and Prof, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, Dr Niloy Ranjan Biswas, spoke as discussants, while Director General, Biiss, Major General ASM Ridwanur Rahman delivered the welcome and closing remarks.

Map issue flagged; noted

During the keynote presentation, Second Secretary (Political & Information) at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, Pooja Kumari Jha, flagged a map issue and said, "The map of India depicted here is incorrect. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India, and I think the map presented here is not correct."

In reply, former ambassador Tariq A Karim, who was presenting the keynote paper, said the map was for representational purposes and did not project actual boundaries.

"I understand, sir, but Jammu and Kashmir... we take it as part of India, and it is misrepresented here. So, I just wanted to point it out," Pooja said. Tariq Karim replied, "Point is noted."

Optimal functional level

State Minister Shama Obaed said as an initial step in the revitalisation process, Bangladesh would like to see Saarc operate at an optimal functional level until the regional environment becomes fully conducive to a full political and summit-level revival.

"This phrase, 'optimal functional level,' is important. It does not mean keeping Saarc alive only symbolically. It means doing the maximum that is realistically possible under the current circumstances. It means being ambitious in spirit, but realistic in method," she said.

The state minister said an optimally functional Saarc would include regular technical and official meetings, a predictable calendar of activities, stronger specialised bodies and regional centres, cooperation in key areas, and visible outcomes for the people of South Asia.

She said it should also follow flexible, project-based cooperation among willing members, as all member states may not be ready to join every initiative at the same time.

"But where several members are ready to cooperate, they should be able to move forward while keeping the door open for others," said the state minister.

She said the new government is still new, and she has spoken separately to representatives of all the member states, finding them very positive about the revival of Saarc.

"So, now I think it's about time that we put our wishes into action. The intent has to be actionable."

Inclusive South Asia

The state minister said the objective should not be to force any two countries into political dialogue through Saarc; rather, the objective should be to ensure that bilateral tensions do not paralyse every form of regional cooperation.

At the same time, she said, Saarc must remain an inclusive South Asian platform.

"Therefore, we should keep the door open for all members while ensuring that agreed technical and developmental cooperation continues."

The state minister said Saarc provides a platform where smaller states can speak collectively, where India can demonstrate constructive regional leadership, where Pakistan remains connected to a wider South Asian framework, and where shared problems can be addressed even when political disputes remain unresolved.

"Our approach to Saarc is hopeful and realistic. We are optimistic and, at the same time, practical. We do not pretend that Saarc can return to full political normalcy overnight. At the same time, we do not accept the claim that nothing can be done. Much can be done if the agenda is realistic, technical, and people-centred," she said.

Shama Obaed said the way forward is to preserve the institution, strengthen what still works, repair what is weak, and create cooperation where agreement is possible. "That is how confidence can return."

She said Saarc is waiting for wise leadership, practical cooperation, and renewed confidence. Bangladesh is ready to contribute to that confidence.

Two things needed

Talking about a functional Saarc, Tariq Karim said, "So you have the engine there, but the engine will not move unless the politics functions. That is one of the problems."

"Number two," he added, "if you want to move, even if the engine turns, it will depend on how much fuel you have."

So, the former ambassador said, there are two things needed - politics has to come to a point where it functions reasonably, so it does not misfire.

Second, he said, "You need energy security. The fuel has to be there for you to be able to undertake revitalisation and proceed. That is what Saarc needs to be able to do. We have the idea of a brilliant car, but we have not been able to figure out how the politics will start the engine and whether we have the fuel."

An interactive open discussion followed the keynote presentation and panel discussion. Participants exchanged views on the structural limitations that have constrained Saarc's effectiveness, the impact of regional geopolitical dynamics, and opportunities for advancing functional cooperation despite existing political differences.

Senior officials from different ministries and government agencies, current and former diplomats, senior civil and military officials, representatives from regional and international organisations, members of academia, researchers, university faculty members and students, media representatives, and policy practitioners participated in the seminar.