Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, Aug 17, 2026 (BSS)- State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to revitalising SAARC.

She stressed on sustained political engagement, cultural initiatives and wider stakeholder participation to reinvigorate the regional grouping.

Shama said this when outgoing Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Ambassador Golam Sarwar paid a farewell call on her at Ministry of Foreign Affairs here, said a foreign ministry’s press release. 

Shama highlighted Foreign Ministry’s intention to play a more proactive role to revitalise SAARC and strengthen regional cooperation in South Asia.

They underscored the importance of renewed political attention and sustained efforts to reinvigorate the SAARC process.

Golam Sarwar briefed the State Minister on the current state of SAARC and stressed the need for initiatives to overcome various challenges facing the regional organisation.

He highlighted the continuation of SAARC’s regular activities and programmes supported by development partners.

Golam Sarwar informed the State Minister that the SAARC Development Report is expected to be released by the end of 2026.

Shama appreciated Sarwar’s stewardship in the forum and expressed firm confidence that the momentum achieved during his tenure would continue under his successor. She assured Bangladesh’s continued support and cooperation in advancing the SAARC process.

SAARC, headquartered in Kathmandu, was established in December 1985 to promote regional cooperation and improve the welfare and quality of life of the peoples of South Asia. But the eight-member regional forum remains in severe stagnation for long due to the deep political stalemate and rivalry between India and Pakistan.