Roundtable Discussion on "US–Bangladesh Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a roundtable discussion titled “US–Bangladesh Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific: Security & Economic Frameworks” on Monday, 9 January 2023, at the BIISS Auditorium.

The roundtable featured Ms. Eileen Laubacher, Former Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia - National Security, as the distinguished guest speaker. The discussion explored the evolving strategic partnership between Bangladesh and the United States in the context of the Indo-Pacific region, with particular emphasis on security cooperation, economic engagement, regional connectivity, and shared interests in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Participants examined the opportunities and challenges associated with the Indo-Pacific strategic environment, including maritime security, trade and investment, supply chain resilience, climate security, emerging technologies, and regional economic integration. The discussion also highlighted Bangladesh’s strategic importance in the Bay of Bengal and its role in fostering a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

The event brought together policymakers, diplomats, senior government officials, members of the armed forces, academicians, researchers, and eminent scholars, who actively participated in the discussion and shared their valuable perspectives. Participants emphasised the importance of strengthening Bangladesh–United States cooperation through enhanced policy dialogue, economic collaboration, capacity-building initiatives, and people-to-people exchanges to address shared regional and global challenges.

The roundtable concluded by reaffirming the value of sustained engagement between Bangladesh and the United States in advancing mutual interests and contributing to regional security, economic growth, and strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific.