Foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain emphasized on Sunday (December 22) that achieving peace in Myanmar is essential for unlocking the Bay of Bengal's potential, adding that the sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Rakhine state is key to ensuring stability in the region amid Myanmar's ongoing civil war.

Speaking at an international seminar titled "Reconnecting the Bay of Bengal Region: Exploring the Convergence of Interest," held at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in Dhaka. Hossain highlighted the critical role of harmony among littoral states, including Myanmar, in realizing the region's economic and strategic promise.

"Peace and order in Myanmar, and by extension in the region, will remain elusive unless the Rohingyas forcibly displaced from Rakhine state can return home with security and dignity," he stated.

Hossain pointed out that 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, who fled severe atrocities in Rakhine over the past seven years, are currently sheltered in Bangladesh, with little progress made toward their repatriation. He added that the situation has been further complicated by the Arakan Army, a non-state actor that has taken control of the entire border region with Bangladesh.

Referring to his recent participation in an informal consultation in Bangkok on the Myanmar crisis, organized by the Thai foreign minister, Hossain stressed the need for regional and international collaboration. "Without the secure and dignified return of Rohingyas to Rakhine, peace and stability in Myanmar will remain unattainable," he warned.
The meeting was attended by senior representatives from Myanmar, Laos, China, and India. Hossain urged regional powers and Myanmar’s government to create a conducive environment for the refugees' return.

The seminar, co-organized by BIISS and the Institute of Developing Economies, was supported by the Japanese embassy in Bangladesh. Japanese ambassador Iwama Kiminori participated as a special guest, while BIISS chairman Ambassador Gousal Azam Sarkar chaired the event, and BIISS director general Major General Iftekhar Anis delivered the welcome address.

Bay of Bengal: A Hub for Cooperation

Hossain underscored the Bay of Bengal’s strategic importance as a hub for geopolitical and economic activity, citing its abundant natural resources, vital shipping routes, and potential for fostering regional integration.
"Our shared task is to align diverse interests, ensuring the Bay of Bengal evolves into a region of collaboration rather than conflict, a hub of connectivity rather than contention," he said.

Hossain noted that the Bay of Bengal has historically been a center for commerce, culture, and connection and continues to serve as a critical maritime crossroads linking South and Southeast Asia to the global economy. He called for transforming the region into a model for sustainable and inclusive development.

"By forging strategic partnerships, embracing a unified vision, and adopting innovative approaches, we can unlock the vast potential of this region, benefiting all stakeholders and leaving a legacy of prosperity for future generations," he added.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s unique position as a regional transit hub with its strategic location and growing industrial base, Hossain emphasized the need to address key challenges and leverage emerging opportunities to capitalize on its potential.
He praised Japan's "Bay of Bengal Industrial Value Chain" initiative, which focuses on investment, technology, and labor to drive regional transformation. Japan’s contributions, he said, not only strengthen Bangladesh’s economic resilience but also pave the way for a more interconnected and prosperous Bay of Bengal region.
Hossain also stressed the need to preserve the Bay’s ecological richness while addressing challenges like climate change, illegal fishing, and maritime security to ensure long-term prosperity.
"The Bay of Bengal is not only an economic asset but also an ecological treasure," he concluded.
 

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