Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, July 29, 2026 (BSS)- The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), in 
collaboration with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Bangladesh, organised the 
second phase of the "Meet the Ambassador" series today at the Senate Hall in 
Rajshahi University (RU).

Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Mr. Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet joined and 
addressed the programme as the featured speaker. Professor Abdul Alim, Pro 
Vice-Chancellor (VC) of RU, also delivered remarks during the programme. 
 
The other speakers included Dr. Felix Gerdes, resident representative of 
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Bangladesh; Shadhan Kumar Das, program advisor of 
FES Bangladesh; and the session was moderated by Zillur Rahman, president of 
the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS).
 
French envoy Mr. Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet emphasized the importance of ensuring 
equal participation of women and men in diplomacy, policymaking, and public 
life. 

Referring to France's feminist foreign policy, he said greater space must be 
created for women in international affairs and that fundamental rights should 
be protected regardless of gender, identity, or background.

Addressing the growing global challenges, he stressed that there is no planet 
"B" and called for stronger collective action to tackle climate change and 
protect the planet for future generations. 

He observed that conflicts, violence, human rights violations, and political 
instability have created several black spots across the world, making 
cooperation among countries more important than ever.

The Ambassador underlined the need to strengthen regional cooperation, 
bilateral partnerships, multilateral institutions, and respect for 
international law. 

He expressed concern that the international community often struggles to 
unite in support of those facing violence and human rights abuses. 

Countries, he said, must stand for their shared values and principles while 
seeking peaceful and coordinated solutions to global crises.

He also cautioned against dividing the world through labels such as the 
global south or the collective west arguing that such terms often fail to 
reflect the diversity of countries and societies. 
 
Professor Abdul Alim said students are pursuing their education amid profound 
political, economic, technological and environmental changes, including 
climate change, conflict, migration, economic uncertainty, disinformation and 
rapid technological transformation.
 
He encouraged students to remain curious, look beyond textbooks, understand 
global developments from diverse perspectives and strengthen their 
analytical, digital and intercultural skills. 

Highlighting the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and France and 
growing cooperation in education, culture, trade, climate action and 
technology, he expressed hope that the Ambassador's visit would contribute to 
stronger academic collaboration and deeper people-to-people relations between 
the two countries.

Zillur Rahman emphasised that diplomacy is ultimately about people and 
connections, noting the longstanding warm relations between Bangladesh and 
France across trade, culture, education, climate action, development, 
technology and international cooperation. 

Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world, he said the discussion was 
timely.