A lecture program by professor TANAKA Akihiko on “Connectivity in the Bay of Bengal Area: Challenges and Options for Bangladesh”, was jointly organized by the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) of NSU and the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh on 28August 2021, read a press release.
In his lecture, Professor TANAKA Akihiko, President, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) elaborated the economic resurgence of Indo-Pacific region and emphasized the importance of the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). He said that Bay of Bengal has a potential to be a connectivity hub in the region through infrastructure projects, in particular, Matarbari deep seaport, under the initiative of “Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B)”.
Prof TANAKA also emphasized the significance of the preservation of peace in Indo-Pacific for its prosperity. He said that in dealing with China’s growing power and its assertiveness, liberal democracies should avoid misunderstanding on their intentions, establish and maintain effective mechanisms of emergency communication, and explore areas of cooperation along with competition.
Ambassador ITO Naoki, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh graced the program as the guest of honor. He stated that almost 50 years ago, Bangabandhu Sheikh MujiburRahman emphasized the importance of freedom and peace in the Indian Ocean which has some relevance today. He mentioned that it is important for Bangladesh to ensure the infrastructure projects are economically efficient and meet the country’s requirements with its developmental stage, in line with debt sustainability.
Ambassador Ito also said that the twin celebrations this year demonstrated the enhanced stature of Bangladesh in the region, and Dhaka was the center of the regional diplomacy as a result of its political stability as well as economic growth. He strongly hope that Japan will continue its cooperation so that Bangladesh play a prominent role in the region, particularly as a partner of pursuing a FOIP.
Concerning the Bay of Bengal connectivity, Ambassador Shahidul Haque, former foreign secretary, GoB said that Bangladesh, being a politically neutral country – in terms of geopolitics – faces difficult strategic choices. He further added that it will be interesting to observe how Bangladesh responds to this choice, balances its foreign policies to facilitate regional connectivity as well as protect its geopolitical and economic interests. He also expressed fear that Asia’s great power rivalry could prevent the entire region from reaping the benefits surrounding the Bay of Bengal.
Rear Admiral (Retd) Md Khurshed Alam, Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, GoB stated the Bay of Bengal as the third neighbor of Bangladesh and laid emphasis on the Rule-based maritime order in the Bay of Bengal and Indo-Pacific region for a peaceful and prosperous future. He also stated the importance of the Blue economy for the development of Bangladesh and urged Japan to be an important partner in exploiting the deep-sea resources, Portland development, and more connectivity in the region.
