Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser in Bangladesh's interim government, has emphasized the need to revive the spirit of Saarc, saying that the eight-nation group has the potential to address many of the region's issues.
In an interview with the Press Trust of India at his Dhaka residence, published on Friday, Yunus said while the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation had been established with a noble mission, it currently existed in name only and lacked functionality.
The bloc comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Yunus said he would try to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York and expressed his intent to gather the Saarc leaders for a symbolic photo opportunity.
Modi is expected to address the UN General Assembly on September 26.
“Obviously, we will try to meet (Prime Minister Narendra Modi). I will try if all the heads of state of Saarc nations come together and take a photo… We have forgotten the name of Saarc; I am trying to revive the spirit of Saarc,” he said.
Yunus lamented the long hiatus of Saarc summits, suggesting that a renewed effort could help solve many regional challenges.
The last summit was scheduled in Islamabad in 2016 but was called off following the Uri terrorist attack in India, with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also withdrawing from participation.
The Nobel laureate also compared Saarc’s stagnation to the success of the European Union, saying the latter had thrived through collaboration. “European countries have achieved a lot through the European Union. We have to ensure that Saarc works. Look at the European Union, and how brilliantly it works. If there is a problem regarding Pakistan, other ways can be worked out. But the functioning of Saarc must not stop.”
Speaking about the Rohingya crisis, Yunus said he would seek help from India to convince Myanmar to repatriate the displaced population.
He also highlighted the need for assistance from both India and China to manage the crisis.
“We need the help of India and China to resolve the issue. Nearly one million people have come to Bangladesh, and now this population is growing. It is putting tremendous pressure on Bangladesh's economy. Some countries are taking them [in] but in small numbers. As India shares good relations with Myanmar, we need India's help in convincing Myanmar to take them back,” he said.