Peace, Rohingya repatriation vital for Bay of Bengal's potential: Touhid

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today said peace in Myanmar is crucial to unlocking Bay of Bengal's potential, while sustainable Rohingya repatriation to Rakhine state is essential for harmony in the neighboring country amid its ongoing civil war.

"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.  The foreign adviser was speaking as the chief guest at an international seminar titled 'Reconnecting the Bay of Bengal Region: Exploring the Convergence of Interest," at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in the capital. 

He said the peace and harmony in the littoral states including Myanmar is essential to realise the potentials of the Bay of Bengal.  Noting that the civil war situation is currently prevailing in Myanmar, he said, in last seven years 1.2 million Rohingyas, who were forcibly displaced from the Rakhine state under extreme atrocities, are sheltered in Bangladesh. 

"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.  BIISS and Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO), Sponsored by the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh jointly organized the seminar. 

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori spoke as the special guest while BIISS Chairman Ambassador Gousal Azam Sarkar chaired the inaugural session and Director General Major General Iftekhar Anis gave the welcome speech. Turning to Bay of Bengal, Touhid said, "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 acknowledged that initiatives like the "Bay of Bengal Industrial Value Chain," championed by Japan, provide a blueprint for achieving this transformation by leveraging investment, technology, and labour. 

The adviser lauded Japans overall initiatives to the Bangladesh's development saying that it is not only strengthening Bangladesh's economic resilience but also pave the way for a more interconnected and prosperous Bay of Bengal region.

Touhid emphasized that the Bay of Bengal is both an economic resource and an ecological treasure, highlighting the importance of preserving its marine biodiversity and addressing critical challenges such as climate change, illegal fishing, and maritime security for the region's long-term prosperity.