JAKARTA, 2 October 2024 – The newly-appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to ASEAN, Md. Tarikul Islam, today presented his Letter of Credence (LOC) to Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.
Secretary-General Dr. Kao congratulated Ambassador Tarikul Islam on his assumption of office and looked forward to working closely with him to enhance ASEAN-Bangladesh relations. Secretary-General Dr. Kao expressed appreciation over Bangladesh’s active role in substantiating ASEAN-Bangladesh relations by undertaking tangible cooperation projects and activities. Going forward, he encouraged Bangladesh to continue undertaking practical cooperation with ASEAN in areas of mutual interest and benefits, including trade, investment, climate change, and sustainable development.
Ambassador Islam stated that Bangladesh attached high importance to its relations with ASEAN. He reiterated Bangladesh’s interest in becoming a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN and expressed Bangladesh’s readiness to work closely with ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat. He also stated that Bangladesh would like to enhance cooperation with ASEAN in various areas including aquaculture, ICT, women empowerment, training of diplomats and civil services, education as well as enhancing people-to-people contacts. He further informed on Bangladesh’s interest to accede to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement.
Bangladesh accredited its first Ambassador to ASEAN in 2013. The ASEAN Committee in Dhaka was established in 2014 with a view to promoting ASEAN’s profile and cooperation with Bangladesh in the host country.