Country Lecture Series (CLS) on "From Malé to Dhaka

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a Country Lecture Series (CLS) titled "From Malé to Dhaka: Strengthening Bangladesh–Maldives Bilateral Cooperation" on 10 April 2025 at the BIISS Auditorium.

The lecture was organised as part of the BIISS Country Lecture Series (CLS) with the objective of fostering a deeper understanding of the growing partnership between Bangladesh and the Maldives and identifying new opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation. The event brought together diplomats, policymakers, academics, researchers, military officials, representatives from think tanks, media, international organisations, and students from various universities.

The discussions highlighted the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and the Maldives and underscored the expanding scope of bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, tourism, connectivity, education, labour mobility, climate change, disaster risk reduction, maritime affairs, the blue economy, and people-to-people exchanges. Speakers noted that both countries share common interests as maritime nations and face similar challenges related to climate change and sustainable development, making closer collaboration increasingly important.

Special emphasis was placed on strengthening cooperation in the blue economy, marine resource management, sustainable tourism, renewable energy, and regional connectivity. The speakers also highlighted the importance of enhancing diplomatic engagement, promoting private sector investment, expanding educational and cultural exchanges, and deepening collaboration in capacity building and human resource development to unlock the full potential of Bangladesh–Maldives relations.

The lecture further underscored the significance of regional cooperation in ensuring peace, security, and sustainable economic growth in the Indian Ocean region. Participants actively contributed to the interactive discussion by sharing valuable opinions, comments, suggestions, and observations on advancing bilateral relations and addressing shared regional challenges.

The event concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, during which participants exchanged views on the future direction of Bangladesh–Maldives relations and reaffirmed the importance of sustained diplomatic dialogue, enhanced economic cooperation, and closer people-to-people connectivity in elevating the bilateral partnership to new heights.