[🇧🇩] SAARC---Can it be revived?

[Saif]

Source : https://www.newagebd.net/post/Foreign%20affairs/243948/pak-pm-for-reinvigorating-saarc-process

Pak PM for reinvigorating SAARC process
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 30 August, 2024, 16:33

Left, Bangladesh chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus, and, right, Pakistan prime minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. | BSS photo

Pakistan prime minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif called chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus over telephone on Friday, congratulating him on his assumption of the leadership of the interim government of Bangladesh.

The Pakistan PM expressed his best wishes to the chief adviser and hoped that the goodwill between the two South Asian countries would be translated into substantial cooperation for the benefit of their peoples.

Professor Yunus thanked Shehbaz Sharif for the phone call and the congratulatory message received from him following his swearing-in as the Bangladesh chief adviser after a student-led revolution, the chief adviser’s press wing said.

He also thanked Shehbaz Sharif for sending a message conveying sympathy and solidarity of the people of Pakistan for the flood victims of Bangladesh.

Shehbaz expressed his willingness to provide support for the people affected by the floods in southern and south-eastern parts of Bangladesh.

He emphasised the need to revitalise relations between the two nations, saying that there remained immense potential in expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

The Pakistan PM underscored the necessity to resume mechanisms like foreign secretary-level consultations and the joint economic commission between Dhaka and Islamabad.

He also stressed the need for reinvigorating the SAARC process.

The chief adviser said that he was committed to revitalising SAARC as a top regional forum to boost ties among the South Asian nations.

He highlighted the necessity of holding regular SAARC summits and stressed holding even a brief meeting among the heads of state and governments of the SAARC states at the earliest convenience.

Professor Yunus also called for strengthening economic ties and people-to-people connections between the two nations.​

 

[Saif]

Reviving SAARC can help South Asia overcome its current crisis

India's vision and support of regional governments are rooted in a supremacist mindset by the country's current ruling party, which has all but paralysed SAARC.

www.thedailystar.net

Reviving SAARC can help South Asia overcome its current crisis

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks as Afghanistan's Former President Ashraf Ghani watches during the opening session of 18th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Kathmandu November 26, 2014. PHOTO: REUTERS

To promote intra-regional cooperation and accelerate the economic and social development of its member countries, former Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman first introduced the idea of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) by sending letters to the other governments in 1980. The first summit meeting of the heads of South Asian governments was held in Dhaka, on December 7-8, 1985, where the creation of SAARC was formally declared. Among its member-states, the regional entity aimed to foster mutual understanding and trust. But unfortunately, SAARC's progress has frequently been impeded by protracted regional tensions.

It has been 10 years since SAARC held its last summit in Kathmandu, Nepal. Many policy experts have long considered SAARC to be ineffective and irrelevant. Despite the abundance of favourable conditions and opportunities for regional collaboration, South Asia as a whole is unable to fully take advantage of them.

The conflict between India and Pakistan, along with India's bullish attitude in the region, stands out among the many reasons contributing to SAARC's slow progress. According to experts, India is viewed with scepticism by its neighbours despite being the most powerful and populous country in South Asia.

Discussions among experts reveal that India is well-positioned to assume a more significant role in maintaining regional integrity and spearheading collaboration among South and Central Asian nations, owing to its unwavering commitment to promoting multipolarity and its captivating cultural influence.

However, some also believe that India is now serving as the primary obstacle to regional cooperation in South Asia, rather than being its driving force.

The main reason for the geopolitical conflicts in the region is that India's vision and support of regional governments are rooted in a supremacist mindset by the country's current ruling party. That mindset is fundamentally incompatible with signalling equitable cooperation towards its smaller neighbours. And it has all but paralysed SAARC, undermining both regional collaboration and South Asia's visibility in international fora.

Unfortunately, the SAARC countries have a severe lack of economic complementarity; instead, they are highly competitive markets where each country exports goods that are largely comparable, such as cotton, jute, spices, and so forth. Additionally, there is less intra-regional trade in the area, which hinders the subcontinent's ability to combine economically. The entire concept of SAARC is a shared market, just like that of the EU, but unlike the European nations, South Asian nations have not been able to move towards establishing proactive cooperation between member states, such as the free movement of citizens across member-states in the region or market integration.

At this particularly critical time for South Asia—as nations have either seen governments toppled or persisting economic turmoil—SAARC should be empowered again, so that its benefits can play a role in resolving all of the integrating difficulties, such as availability, people-to-people contact, and efficient commerce in the area. Open borders or constant availability throughout the entire territory are, in fact, necessary. It comprises everything, from telecommunications to railroads to highways to maritime infrastructure. Cross-border cooperation is unavoidable if reducing conflicts, combating the threat of terrorism, and promoting seamless communication are the goals of South Asian leaders, as suggested by the region's close proximity.

Despite some disappointments, the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, still sees potential in SAARC for promoting regional integration. Bangladesh values SAARC and desires its flourishing as a regional organisation. The country is committed to upholding the goals and tenets of the SAARC charter and believes that SAARC must continue to operate. The strong will of South Asian countries will largely determine if SAARC can be revived, and Bangladesh's foreign affairs adviser deserves praise for his forward-thinking approach in expressing Bangladesh's eagerness to revive SAARC.

Given the regional dynamics, South Asian countries would benefit from functionalism, which would include delaying resolution of contentious issues in order to fortify SAARC cooperation. India should enter the region with an open mind, and play a significant role in fostering unfettered growth among its neighbouring countries.

In spite of its many shortcomings, SAARC has not been entirely inert. Of course, it has not served its purpose, but that does not mean it still cannot. It is therefore crucial to guarantee that any advancement or improvement within SAARC does not impede the strategic activities conducted in the region. As a result, much work still has to be done. Nevertheless, if conversations move forward in a logical and useful way, they might turn into possibilities.

Notwithstanding the hostility between India and Pakistan, disagreements between any two members shouldn't prevent other members in other SAARC sub-regions from working together more effectively.

Regional cooperation makes sense from a geographic, social, economic, cultural, and political standpoint, as seen in the EU and ASEAN, and during SAARC's functional period, such as when it launched the South Asian Free Trade Area in 2006. Increasing the frequency of gatherings to engage and collaborate, while leaving past failures behind, will benefit the entire South Asian region.

South Asia is at a critical juncture, with tensions between key players continuing to persist, while the economies of other countries are in dire straits. Hostility is unproductive; reviving SAARC through mutual cooperation can at least restore hope for the region. The interim government of Bangladesh must initiate efforts to bring together the SAARC platform, evolving it to contribute to the region's progress, peace, and stability.

Dr Mohammad Tarikul Islam is professor at the Department of Government and Politics in Jahangirnagar University. He has been a visiting scholar and guest faculty at Oxford, Cambridge and Harvard universities.​

 

[Saif]

Yunus calls for Saarc revival in talks with Pakistan PM

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called for the revival of the Saarc as a top platform for regional cooperation in South Asia

www.thedailystar.net

Yunus calls for Saarc revival in talks with Pakistan PM

Photo: PID

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called for the revival of the Saarc as a top platform for regional cooperation in South Asia.

The chief adviser made the call when he met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting at the UN headquarters in New York.

During the meeting, the two leaders underscored the need to revitalise the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Prof Yunus said reviving Saarc could be a good way to start it and sought Pakistan's support.

Shehbaz Sharif promised his support for the initiative and suggested the countries move step by step in reviving the regional platform.

Sharif said Bangladesh and Pakistan should open a "new page" in their relations to enhance cooperation in various aspects.

"It's very essential we revive our relations," he said.

Sharif expressed Pakistan's interest in investing in Bangladesh's textile and leather sectors.

Chief Adviser Professor Yunus proposed an exchange of youth programs between the two countries.

The two countries also discussed renewing foreign secretary-level talks and reactivating the joint commission between the two countries.

Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain was also present during the talks.​

 

[Saif]

Dhaka proposes FS-level meet to make SAARC functional

Bangladesh on Saturday emphasised the need for convening a Foreign Secretary-level meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to reinvigorate the regional forum’s functional activities. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin made the proposal when SAARC Sec

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Dhaka proposes FS-level meet to make SAARC functional
Published :
Dec 07, 2024 22:45
Updated :
Dec 07, 2024 22:45

Bangladesh on Saturday emphasised the need for convening a Foreign Secretary-level meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to reinvigorate the regional forum’s functional activities.

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin made the proposal when SAARC Secretary General Ambassador Golam Sarwar met him at foreign ministry, BSS reported citing a press release from the ministry.

During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to playing a proactive role in revitalising the SAARC.

He assured the Secretary General of Bangladesh’s readiness to collaborate closely with other member states to advance the SAARC process.

Jashim Uddin highlighted the upcoming 'Youth Festival,' scheduled to take place in Dhaka in January 2025, which aims to foster meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange among the region’s youth folks.

He also pledged Bangladesh’s full support to the SAARC Secretariat in fulfilling its mandate and strengthening regional cooperation.

The Secretary General updated the Foreign Secretary on SAARC’s ongoing activities, including plans to convene the next session of the Programming Committee in the first quarter of 2025, the initiatives of regional centres, and preparations for celebrating the 40th anniversary of SAARC Charter Day.

He acknowledged Bangladesh’s pivotal role in advancing SAARC’s objectives and expressed optimism for its continued contributions.​

 

[Saif]

Dr Yunus reiterates call for activating SAARC

South Asia will be benefited from activating SAARC which remained dysfunctional due to some issues between India and Pakistan, he says

en.prothomalo.com

Dr Yunus reiterates call for activating SAARC
BSS
Dhaka
Published: 12 Dec 2024, 21: 37

Chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has reiterated his call to the South Asian leaders to activate the SAARC to bring for the people of entire region.

"South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is very important to me. I spoke about activating the forum immediately after taking oath as the chief adviser,” he said.

The chief adviser was addressing a conference of the SAARC Federation of Oncologists (SFO) through videoconference from the state guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on Thursday.

A delegation of SFO also met chief adviser Dr Yunus at the Jamuna.

The chief adviser said whole South Asia will be benefited from activating SAARC which remained dysfunctional due to some issues between India and Pakistan.

“Problems between the two countries should not affect other countries in South Asia,” he said adding that “If South Asian leaders meet every year, stand together and take pictures; then a message goes to the whole world that we are united. This will present the South Asian countries before the world in a positive way and will help us move forward.”

During the meeting, the chief adviser paid tribute to SFO founder ABMF Karim and recalled his memories with him.

At that time, Dr Yunus also remembered his younger brother, also writer and television personality Muhammad Jahangir, and shared the sufferings that his entire family had gone through after his brother diagnosis with cancer.

The chief adviser highlighted how ABMF Karim helped him in the treatment of his brother at that time.

“We are still not getting the technical support we need for cancer treatment. The role of SAARC in providing treatment to cancer patients is very inspiring," he added.​

 

[Saif]

Our message to India: Please don't normalize open defecation because we, the Bangladeshis, don't like it.

Do not 'normalise terrorism', India warns Bangladesh amid SAARC discussions

India has once again blamed Pakistan for the stagnation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, or SAARC, after Bangladesh called for reviving the regional bloc. In a strong stance against Islamabad, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also warned that Bangladesh should

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Do not 'normalise terrorism', India warns Bangladesh amid SAARC discussions
bdnews24.com
Published :
Feb 21, 2025 23:45
Updated :
Feb 21, 2025 23:45

India has once again blamed Pakistan for the stagnation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, or SAARC, after Bangladesh called for reviving the regional bloc.

In a strong stance against Islamabad, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also warned that Bangladesh should not “normalise terrorism”.

Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal revealed on Friday that this discussion took place during Jaishankar’s meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain in Oman’s Muscat.

During a weekly briefing, Jaiswal said: “Yes, the matter was brought up by the Bangladesh side in an external affairs meeting when EAM met with Bangladesh's foreign advisor in Muscat.”

"Everyone in South Asia is aware of which country and what activities are responsible for stymieing SAARC,” he said.

EAM conveyed that it is important that Bangladesh should not normalise terrorism,” he added.

SAARC has remained largely inactive for over a decade due to strained India-Pakistan relations, with no summit taking place since 2014.

Following the political shift in Bangladesh in August 2024, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has been advocating for reviving the regional bloc.

At a meeting with South Asian cancer specialists on Dec 12, Yunus said: “SAARC is of great importance to me. Right after taking office as chief advisor, I spoke about reactivating SAARC.”

"SAARC is not functioning due to 'certain issues' between India and Pakistan. I believe these bilateral problems should not affect other nations.”

He added, “If South Asian leaders meet annually and stand together for a photo, it sends a message to the world that ‘we are united’.”

Foreign Advisor Touhid also highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to reviving SAARC in a recent article in the Indian Express.

He wrote, “SAARC has remained dysfunctional for over a decade. The interim government has made a sincere effort to make it functional again.”

"So far, we have not received a positive response from India. However, we do not believe India has anything to fear from this initiative.”

The former diplomat added, “We understand that full regional cooperation will take time. But a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

"As a first step, can our leaders at least take a photo together at a summit to demonstrate our long-term commitment?" he asked.

During the Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat on Sunday, Advisor Touhid met Jaishankar and emphasised holding a SAARC Standing Committee meeting.

Bangladesh’s foreign ministry later said he urged India to consider the matter.

At Friday’s Indian foreign ministry briefing, another journalist asked whether statements by certain advisors in Bangladesh, some of which were “quite aggressive”, were affecting bilateral discussions.

In response, Jaiswal said: “Yes, we obviously have taken note of such remarks, which are, of course, not helpful. It is for the concerned individuals to reflect on implications for their particular domain.”​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh imports over five times its exports to Saarc nations

Bangladesh continues to grapple with a significant trade imbalance with Saarc countries as import payments far exceed exports, according to the latest Bangladesh Bank (BB) report.

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh imports over five times its exports to Saarc nations

Bangladesh continues to grapple with a significant trade imbalance with Saarc countries as import payments far exceed exports, according to the latest Bangladesh Bank (BB) report.

The report, covering fiscal year (FY) 2023-24, shows Bangladesh's total import payments to Saarc nations stood at $9.76 billion while export earnings from the region reached only $1.74 billion.

Imports were more than five times the value of Bangladesh's exports to the eight-member bloc, underscoring the country's heavy reliance on goods from its South Asian neighbours -- particularly India, its largest trading partner in the region and second-largest import source after China.

Imports from Saarc accounted for 15.44 percent of Bangladesh's total imports of $63.22 billion in FY24, up slightly from a year earlier.

In the same year, exports to the region made up 4.47 percent of total shipments of around $39 billion, according to the BB report on Bangladesh's trade, remittances and foreign investment within Saarc, released Tuesday.

"The respective authority should take appropriate policy measures to reduce the amount of imported goods from Saarc countries by raising indigenous production of such goods to meet the demand of the people of Bangladesh," the BB said.

The report also said Bangladesh's overall imports declined in FY24 from the previous year, in line with a broader drop in total imports. Exports also fell, reflecting a downward trend in trade with regional partners.

Of the total imports from Saarc, Bangladesh sourced over 92 percent from India in FY24. Similarly, India accounted for 90 percent of Bangladesh's exports to the region, the report said.

After India, the top three destinations for Bangladeshi goods within Saarc were Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan was the second-largest source of imports within Saarc, with Bangladesh paying $627 million in FY24, or 6.34 percent of the total import payments to the region.

However, exports to Pakistan declined sharply, falling 25 percent year-on-year to $62 million in FY24 from $82.85 million a year earlier.

Exports to Pakistan made up 3.56 percent of the total shipments to Saarc.

Bangladesh mainly imported textiles and textile articles, chemical products, mineral products, vegetable products, beverages, spirits and vinegar, tobacco, machinery and mechanical appliances, base metals, and articles of base metals from Saarc nations.

Its key exports included garments, vegetable fats and oils such as rice bran oil, rawhides, leather, and plastic and rubber products.

"India stands out as the primary destination for Bangladesh's export receipts within the Saarc region, showing substantial growth over the years."

The report said exports to Saarc nations displayed mixed trends -- some countries showed consistent growth while others fluctuated, "possibly influenced by economic factors, trade agreements, or specific industries".

Export receipts from Pakistan varied over the years, peaking at $105.80 million in FY22.

Sri Lanka was the third-largest destination for Bangladeshi exports within Saarc, accounting for 3.11 percent of total shipments.

"Export receipts of Bangladesh from Sri Lanka have been steadily increasing," the report said.

Exports to Nepal also showed growth, especially from FY11 to FY22, reaching a peak of $105.50 million in FY22 before plunging to $43.38 million in FY24.

Nepal accounted for 2.49 percent of Bangladesh's exports in FY24.

The Maldives, Bhutan and Afghanistan collectively imported about $25 million worth of Bangladeshi goods, with earnings from these three countries remaining stagnant over time.

The BB said Bangladesh exports a limited range of products within Saarc.

"Thus, authorities like the Export Promotion Bureau and Bangladesh Bank should take effective initiatives to boost export earnings from the Saarc region by selling diversified Bangladeshi goods."

"The authorities should review the main obstacles to selling diversified Bangladeshi goods to Saarc countries and mitigate them to reduce the trade deficit," it added.

The central bank further said that while Bangladesh continues to exhibit economic growth and trade expansion, further exploration of opportunities and mitigation of challenges, particularly within Saarc, remain necessary.

"Strengthening regional cooperation and addressing trade imbalances will be essential for sustainable economic development."​