DHAKA, Dec 8, 2019 (BSS) – Terming the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-
Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) as very important in
the perspective of Bangladesh, Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin
Chaudhury today said the organization can play a special role in enhancing
connection among people.
The speaker came up with the statement when BIMSTEC Secretary General M
Shahidul Islam paid a courtesy call on Dr Shirin at her parliament office
here, said a press release.
Parliaments of the BIMSTEC-member countries can work as the focal point of
the organization, she said, adding that Bangladesh parliament will work with
the BIMSTEC as it is now working successfully with international forums like
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
and Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC).
Noting that Speakers’ Conference of the South Asian countries is playing a
vital role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr Shirin said
BIMSTEC can also organize such conference.
BIMSTEC Secretary General M Shahidul Islam apprised the speaker about the
activities of the organization and sought her cooperation. He said the
BIMSTEC headquarters are situated in Dhaka, which is a matter of pride for
the country.
Dr Shirin assured Shahidul of giving all sorts of assistances to the
BIMSTEC and said that the forum can play a role in parliamentary diplomacy.
Senior officials concerned of the parliament secretariat were present at
the meeting.