State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam yesterday said SAARC remains strategically important for Bangladesh and should be revitalised through practical, step-by-step measures under the government's "Bangladesh First" foreign policy.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Rebuilding Trust, Renewing Regional Integration: Pathways for Revitalising SAARC" at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) auditorium in Dhaka, Shama said the regional bloc—conceived through Bangladesh's diplomatic vision—remains relevant despite years of political stagnation.
"SAARC is where Bangladesh's history and future meet," she said, adding that the organisation reflects both the country's diplomatic legacy and its aspirations for stronger regional cooperation.
She recalled that the idea of SAARC was championed by late President Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, whose initiative placed South Asian regional cooperation on the international agenda.
"But that legacy is not only a matter of the past; it also speaks directly to Bangladesh's future," she said.
Explaining the government's foreign policy priorities, Shama said "Bangladesh First" is more than a slogan, describing it as a strategy to build a stable neighbourhood that supports the country's security, trade, connectivity, climate resilience, food security and global standing.
She reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to regional cooperation, noting that although South Asia has enormous economic, cultural and strategic potential, it remains one of the world's least integrated regions due to persistent political divisions and weak economic connectivity.
The state minister acknowledged that SAARC has struggled to fulfil its objectives because of prolonged political mistrust and unresolved bilateral disputes.
"There is no denying that SAARC has faced serious difficulties. The summit process has remained stalled, political trust has been weak, and regional integration has not reached its expected level," she said.
However, she stressed that the organisation remains institutionally relevant, with its charter, secretariat, specialised bodies, legal frameworks and technical networks continuing to function.
Shama said any meaningful effort to revive SAARC must begin with an honest assessment of its challenges, including limited implementation capacity, inadequate financial resources and weak institutional follow-up.
Bangladesh, she said, supports a pragmatic approach that would allow SAARC to function at an "optimal functional level" until the political environment becomes conducive to holding summit-level meetings again.
Such an approach would include regular meetings of officials and technical experts, stronger specialised institutions, a predictable calendar of activities, and enhanced cooperation in non-contentious sectors capable of delivering tangible benefits to people across South Asia.
She also advocated flexible, project-based cooperation among willing member states, allowing countries ready to move forward in specific areas to do so while leaving the door open for others to join later.
Highlighting Bangladesh's recent diplomatic outreach, Shama said she had held separate discussions with all SAARC member states since the current government assumed office nearly four months ago.
"All of them were very positive about the revival of SAARC," she said.
"Now I think it is about time that we turn our wishes into action. The intent has to be actionable."
She also called for strengthening the SAARC Development Fund (SDF), saying its governance, leadership and operational capacity should be enhanced to finance impactful regional projects in healthcare, agriculture, climate adaptation, rural development, women-led enterprises and social development.
The state minister stressed that SAARC must remain insulated from bilateral political disputes, noting that the organisation's charter already prohibits discussion of contentious bilateral issues.
"The objective should not be to force any two countries into political dialogue through SAARC. Rather, it should be to ensure that bilateral tensions do not paralyse every form of regional cooperation," she said.
On the regional architecture, Shama said Bangladesh does not view SAARC and BIMSTEC as competing platforms.
According to her, BIMSTEC strengthens connectivity between South Asia, the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia, while SAARC remains the only platform representing the entire South Asian region.
"These platforms should complement each other, not compete with each other," she said.
Looking ahead, Shama said Bangladesh is considering a calibrated package of confidence-building initiatives in consultation with member states.
These include engaging ambassadors and high commissioners of SAARC countries stationed in Dhaka, consulting the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu on convening a Senior Officials' Meeting, exploring the possibility of a special session of the Council of Ministers, and expanding diplomatic outreach at the highest political level.
"SAARC is waiting for wise leadership, practical cooperation and renewed confidence. Bangladesh is ready to contribute to that confidence," she said.
The seminar was chaired by BIISS Director General Major General ASM Ridwanur Rahman. Ambassador Tariq A Karim, adviser to the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies at Independent University, Bangladesh, and distinguished visiting research fellow at the Institute of South Asia Studies at the National University of Singapore, delivered the keynote presentation.
Professor Dr Niloy Ranjan Biswas of the University of Dhaka and former Additional Foreign Secretary Md Shamsul Haque participated in the panel discussion.
