Bangladesh is set to take over the chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) for the next two years, succeeding Thailand. The official handover will mark a pivotal moment for the regional bloc as it seeks deeper integration and stronger cooperation in the face of evolving global and economic challenges.
The transition was announced at the conclusion of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, held in Bangkok under the theme “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC.” Leaders from the seven-member nations—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—gathered to reaffirm their commitment to advancing economic development, regional connectivity, and mutual resilience.
The summit opened with a symbolic group photo and a welcome address by the Thai Prime Minister, who served as the outgoing chair. A moment of silence was observed in honor of the victims of recent earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand, underscoring the region’s shared vulnerabilities.
In a significant moment during the summit, Nobel Laureate and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, outlined Dhaka’s vision for the bloc. He emphasized the need for “regionally balanced leadership and inclusive growth strategies that bridge development gaps between Southeast and South Asia.”
“As the new BIMSTEC chair, Bangladesh will focus on strengthening trade facilitation, building sustainable infrastructure, and enhancing climate resilience,” said a senior official from the BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka. “We aim to ensure that all member states—regardless of size or economic weight—have an equitable role in shaping the future of the region.”
According to the BIMSTEC Charter, the chairmanship rotates alphabetically among member countries. With Bangladesh now at the helm, the country is expected to steer the organization’s strategic direction through a lens of inclusive regionalism, advocating for equitable partnerships and cross-border initiatives.
Established in 1997, BIMSTEC has emerged as a vital platform connecting South and Southeast Asia. The bloc has increasingly focused on areas such as trade, technology, transport, energy, public health, and counterterrorism. Its growing importance is further amplified by the global south’s pursuit of multipolar economic alliances and regional self-reliance.
Analysts believe Bangladesh’s leadership comes at a crucial time, especially as member states face shared challenges such as climate threats, energy insecurity, and digital divides.
“With its unique geopolitical position and commitment to South-Southeast Asian collaboration, Bangladesh is poised to bring a pragmatic yet visionary approach to BIMSTEC,” said Dr. Pradip Sharma, a regional affairs analyst based in Kathmandu. “A balanced leadership will be essential to unify interests and accelerate the bloc’s role in shaping a resilient Bay of Bengal community.”
As the new chair begins its tenure, Bangladesh is expected to convene a series of high-level meetings and policy dialogues, aiming to strengthen institutional capacities within BIMSTEC and deliver tangible benefits to its people.
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