North South University’s Centre for Peace Studies, under the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance, on Thursday hosted an event on Connectivity and Cooperation in the Bay of Bengal Region at the SIPG conference room on the campus in Dhaka on Thursday, aiming to foster discussions and insights on the significance of enhanced regional connectivity, according to a press release.
Chaired by professor Sk Tawfique M Haque, director of SIPG and the current chair of the Department of Political Science and Sociology, the event featured Constantino Xavier, fellow in Foreign Policy and Security Studies, the Centre for Social and Economic Progress, India, as a key speaker, and professor Shahidul Haque of SIPG and former foreign secretary of Bangladesh, as a discussant.
Constantino Xavier delivered a compelling presentation, emphasising the crucial role of improved connectivity in unlocking the next phase of economic development in South Asia.
Professor Shahidul Haque shed light on the geopolitical aspects that must be considered alongside connectivity initiatives, stressing the need to factor in strategic interests.
During the question and answer session, professor Abdur Rob Khan, dean of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities at NSU, asked how small states can effectively navigate the competing models of connectivity emerging in the Bay of Bengal region.
NSU professor Sakhawat Hossain delved into the complexities of maintaining positive relations with India and China.
Jashim Uddin, associate professor of Political Science and Sociology, reiterated the significance of fostering regionalism to drive the development of the Bay, emphasising the role of political will in such endeavours.
Professor SK Tawfique M Haque highlighted the challenges of depoliticising economics, which hinder deeper cooperation between connectivity initiatives.
