CA Seeks Thai Elite Support for BD’s Full Membership in ASEAN

"That is where our future lies," he stated, outlining the country's ambition to deepen its ties with Southeast Asia. While Bangladesh is currently in the process of joining ASEAN as a sectoral dialogue partner, Dr. Yunus made it clear that the ultimate goal is full membership in the influential regional bloc.

The Chief Adviser highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to multilateralism, noting its active participation in regional organizations like SAARC and BIMSTEC. He urged these regional groups to ramp up their efforts to foster economic growth and promote closer people-to-people connections.

Bangladesh Seeks Key ASEAN Nations' Support

The meeting was attended by a range of Thai leaders, including former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, former deputy prime ministers, top business figures, bankers, academics, and civil society leaders, as confirmed by Dr. Yunus’s Deputy Press Secretary, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.

In his remarks, Dr. Yunus expressed Bangladesh’s hope to gain the backing of key ASEAN members, particularly Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, in its push for membership. He stressed the importance of ASEAN for Bangladesh’s long-term economic and diplomatic objectives.

Shared Histories and Future Collaboration

Dr. Yunus also underscored the shared histories and challenges between Thailand and Bangladesh, calling for enhanced collaboration between their peoples. “This will be the beginning of the relationship we want to build,” he said, referring to the meeting as a foundation for strengthening ties between the two nations.

Capitalizing on Global Shifts

In addition to discussing Bangladesh’s future in ASEAN, the Chief Adviser touched on the evolving landscape of global trade. He suggested that the current "disorder" in global markets could be leveraged to benefit smaller economies, advocating for new, more innovative business models in response to global disruptions.

Dr. Yunus also spoke about the recent political changes in Bangladesh, including the student-led uprising that brought an end to a brutal dictatorship, marking the dawn of a new era in the country.

Key Officials in Attendance

The meeting also saw the participation of Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Chief Adviser’s High Representative Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Principal Coordinator for SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed, and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin.

Dr. Yunus’s call for support from the Thai elite marks a significant step in Bangladesh's diplomatic efforts to strengthen its position in Southeast Asia and pursue greater influence within ASEAN.