AIUB to host seminar on South Asian geopolitics

American International University-Bangladesh is set to host an international seminar titled "Understanding South Asian Geopolitics in the Context of Bangladesh" on 8 July 2026, focusing on Bangladesh's growing strategic role in the region and the wider Indo-Pacific.

The seminar will be held at the AIUB Auditorium, jointly organised by American International University-Bangladesh, Japan's Sasakawa Peace Foundation and Rikkyo University.

The event reflects the organisers' commitment to promoting evidence-based discussion and academic dialogue on regional and global issues.

Dr Naonori Kusakabe, Associate Professor at Rikkyo University and Fellow of the Center for Mediation Support at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, will deliver the welcome address.

He is expected to highlight the importance of strengthening intellectual exchange between Bangladesh and Japan and discuss Bangladesh's growing role in contemporary regional strategic debates.

Representatives of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation will also address the seminar, including Dr Akiko Horiba, Director of the Center for Mediation Support; Dr Masato Toriya, Associate Professor at the Institute of Global Studies of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and Fellow of the Center for Mediation Support; and Kyoka Oimatsu, Program Associate at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.

Their remarks will focus on Japan's interest in expanding academic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and policy-oriented research partnerships with Bangladesh.

Professor Dr Saiful Islam, Vice Chancellor of American International University-Bangladesh, will deliver the closing remarks. He is expected to reaffirm the university's commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research, international cooperation and constructive policy dialogue on issues of regional and global importance.

The programme will be moderated by Dr Mohammad Zahidul Islam Khan, Registrar of American International University-Bangladesh.

He will highlight the importance of academic research and intellectual engagement in understanding South Asia's fast-changing geopolitical realities. He will also discuss how Bangladesh, amid shifting regional and global geopolitical competition, is emerging as a promising strategic actor in the Global South.

Academics from leading universities in Bangladesh will present papers at the seminar.

Sayed Ibrahim Ahmed, Assistant Professor of Finance at American International University-Bangladesh, will present a paper titled "Economic Transformation in South Asia and Bangladesh's Role". The paper will discuss how Bangladesh's development achievements have strengthened the country's position through regional economic cooperation and connectivity.

Professor SM Ali Reza of the Department of Political Science at the University of Dhaka will present a paper titled "Bangladesh-Japan Relations and the Future of South Asian Diplomacy".

Md Mostofa Hossain, Assistant Professor at the School of Law of BRAC University, will present a paper titled "Towards Establishing an International Rules-Based System: Bangladesh's Future and Japan's Role".

Professor KM Mahiuddin of Jahangirnagar University will present a paper titled "Domestic Politics, Governance and Bangladesh's Position in the Regional Context", analysing the relationship between domestic governance and foreign policy.

Saleh Md Shahriar, Assistant Professor at North South University, will present a paper titled "China's Soft Power Strategy in Bangladesh".

Professor Shahab Enam Khan of Bangladesh University of Professionals will present a paper titled "Japan's Engagement in South Asia and Bangladesh's Strategic Position: Significance of Bilateral Relations".

Professor Dr Abdur Rahman, Pro-Vice Chancellor of American International University-Bangladesh, deans of different faculties, teachers, researchers, policy experts and students from various universities are expected to attend the seminar.

The seminar will discuss South Asia's changing geopolitical realities, emerging economic partnerships and Bangladesh's growing strategic importance in the wider Indo-Pacific region.

It will also cover governance, diplomacy, economic transformation, regional cooperation, and opportunities and challenges in developing Bangladesh's relations with Japan and other regional partners.

The organisers said the event would create opportunities for participants and guests to exchange views and explore future academic and institutional cooperation among Bangladesh, Japan and the broader South Asian region.