Foreign Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain stated today that while a sustainable repatriation of Rohingya to Rakhine state is necessary for peace in the neighboring country amid its continuing civil war, peace in Myanmar is critical to unlocking the potential of the Bay of Bengal.
“Peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar, and consequently in the region, unless the Rohingyas lodged in Myanmar can go back to their homes with security and rights,” he said.
At the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in the capital, the foreign adviser was the main speaker at an international conference called “Reconnecting the Bay of Bengal Region: Exploring the Convergence of Interest.”
According to him, the Bay of Bengal’s potential cannot be realized until there is peace and tranquility among the littoral states, including Myanmar.
He pointed out that the current state of civil conflict in Myanmar has resulted in 1.2 million Rohingyas being housed in Bangladesh over the past seven years after being forcibly evacuated from the Rakhine state due to severe crimes.
“There has been no progress in their repatriation and the situation is further complicated by a non-state actor, the Arakan Army taking control the entire border with Bangladesh,” he said.
Referring to his recent attendance at the informal consultation in Bangkok on Myanmar situation at the invitation of the Thai foreign minister, Touhid said he warned them that without secured and dignified return of Rohingyas to Rakhine, peace and order would not be established there.
The foreign ministers of Myanmar and Laos, deputy foreign minister of China and Indian foreign secretary also attended that crucial meeting on Thursday last.
“It is incumbent on Myanmar and the regional powers to create a congenial atmosphere for their return,” said the foreign adviser.
The conference was co-organized by BIISS and the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO), which is supported by the Japanese Embassy in Bangladesh.
Director General Major General Iftekhar Anis delivered the welcoming address, BIISS Chairman Ambassador Gousal Azam Sarkar led the opening session, and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori spoke as the special guest.
Turning to the Bay of Bengal, Touhid stated, “Hence, our collective task is to align diverse interests, ensuring that the Bay of Bengal becomes a region of collaboration rather than conflict; a hub of connectivity rather than contention” .
He said that the Bay of Bengal has emerged as a focal point of geopolitical and economic activity with its vast natural resources, crucial shipping routes, and potential for economic integration.
The Bay of Bengal is now witnessing heightened attention from regional and global powers, with nations and institutions recognising its critical role as a driver of growth and stability, he added.
Noting that the Bay, historically a nexus of connection, commerce, and culture – continues to hold immense strategic importance as a maritime crossroads linking South and Southeast Asia to the global economy, the adviser underlined to turn it into a model for sustainable and inclusive development.
“By fostering strategic partnerships, embracing a unified vision, and adopting innovative approaches, we can unlock the vast potential of this region, benefiting all stakeholders and creating a legacy of prosperity for future generations,” he observed.
He said Bangladesh is uniquely poised to become a regional transit hub and a key player in the global value chain with its strategic location and growing industrial base.
“In order to unlock these possibilities, Bangladesh must address pressing challenges and seize emerging opportunities,” the adviser mentioned.
He saw that programs such as Japan’s “Bay of Bengal Industrial Value Chain,” which leverages labor, money, and technology, offer a model for accomplishing this change.
The advisor praised Japan’s overall development measures in Bangladesh, stating that they are paving the way for a more prosperous and integrated Bay of Bengal area in addition to bolstering Bangladesh’s economic resilience.
In order to ensure the long-term prosperity of the region, Touhid underlined that the Bay of Bengal is both an ecological treasure and an economic resource, stressing the significance of protecting its marine biodiversity and tackling pressing issues like illicit fishing, climate change, and maritime security.
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