H.E. Mr.Dato Erywan Pehin Yousof, 

Excellencies, 

Distinguished Guests, 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

AssalamuAlaikum.

At the outset, I convey my thanks to the Hon’ble Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. DatoErywanYousof for his becoming ASEAN Special Envoy. I also thank the ARF for organising this timely event during this critical period with a view to advancing regional cooperation under the theme “We Care, We Prepare, and We prosper”. 

Excellencies, 

2.      2021 is a historically significant year for Bangladesh as we are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of our Independence as well as we are observing Birth Centenary of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh MujiburRahman in this year, whose vision has been guiding our country’s development and progress. Inspired by the dream of Bangabandhu for a “Sonar Bangla”- a Golden Bengal, we followed his principle of Foreign Policy that says "Friendship to all, malice towards none." 

  Distinguished Guests, 

3.     COVID-19 pandemic has put us in a new reality where we are appreciating more than ever before the value of effective cooperation and collaboration in a united manner which can serve to promote more robust, equitable and responsive action by the international community.  No area and no country have been spared from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bangladesh is also severely affected by the pandemic. In this regard, I am happy to mention that Bangladesh could initiate and adhere to a form of ‘vaccine diplomacy’ which ensures diversified sources of vaccines. Due to the sudden sweep over of Covid-19 cases in neighboring countries, it is imperative that South Asian and Southeast Asian nations should receive their share of the vaccine without any strings attached. In addition, we demand vaccines to be a public good and its technology should be shared and available to all countries to produce it at an affordable price. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

4.      We all know that the countries of this region are more vulnerable in the brink of climate challenges due to their geographical location and socio-economic conditions. The number and frequency of natural disasters in this region are on the rise having a devastating effect on its population. As a result, the economies of this region are also exposed to climate threats. Unfortunately climate risks remain unaddressed mainly due to the lack of knowledge and its financial impacts. 

Distinguished Colleagues, 

5.       I firmly believe that strict implementation of the Paris Agreement is the only way forward for a sustainable future. Unified global actions, political will, leadership and strong international climate coalition can bring positive change towards carbon neutrality. We must take the opportunity through this Forum to build back better for a sustainable, prosperous and resilient future through shared responsibility and concerted actions. Also I must emphasize on establishing a new financial mechanism to address Loss and Damage in developing countries and it should be mainstreamed as extreme weather events have already displaced many more people than violent conflicts. Likewise, relocation and protection of displaced persons need due focus in global discourses. 

August House, 

6.      Let me take this opportunity to apprise you that Bangladesh has been stretching its available financial and physical resources, solely on humanitarian grounds, for the forcefully displaced 1.1 million Rohingyas from Myanmar. Bangladesh is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention nor its 1967 Protocol.  Still Bangladesh sheltered the Rohingya refugees considering humanitarian ground only. With the support of our friends we are efficiently managing all sorts of humanitarian assistance including shelter, food, health, water and sanitation. We have sacrificed 6800 acre of forest land, a huge loss of biodiversity and wildlife. Bangladesh is not in a position to shoulder the burden for an indefinite period. Huge Rohingya population entails enormous pressure on our economy, environment, security and social fabric of the area concerned. Prolonged stay of such a huge number of people with unattended grievances and basic rights poses tremendous security threat for the entire region. Myanmar is our friendly neighbor and they agreed to repatriate their displaced people and they also agreed to create a conducive environment in Myanmar so that they can return with dignity and honour. Now, it is the turn of the regional and international stakeholders to seriously consider and help Myanmar to immediately repatriate their of forcefully displaced Rohingyas.  Myanmar is willingly to resume bilateral dialogue for repatriation of displaced people. Bangladesh is ready to do it. 

Eminent Speakers, 

7.      Asia-Pacific is the most dynamic region of the world in terms of economic growth. The ARF allows developing countries of this region to raise a significant voice in major regional security affairs. The ARF has succeeded in bringing together various issues to the forefront related to security risks of the region. The very fact that these states can now come together on a common platform for the resolution and discussion of security issues is a great achievement. But if Rohingyas problem is not resolved quickly it may create security problem in the region. 

Distinguished Audience, 

8.     As you are aware, disarmament is a hallmark of Bangladesh’s peace-centric foreign policy. Mandated by our constitutional obligation of seeking complete disarmament as well as settling disputes through peaceful means, Bangladesh has always restrained from arms race. Since becoming a member of the UN, Bangladesh has always been playing an active role in UN’s disarmament diplomacy. As a member of the UN Security Council for two terms during 1979-1980 and 2000-2001, Bangladesh was particularly active and visible in international disarmament efforts, reaffirming its strong commitment to the adherence of international disarmament norms, treaties and instruments. 

Excellencies, 

9.      We must acknowledge that investment in nuclear weapons can neither ensure peace nor security and thus represents a colossal wastage of the world’s scarce resources. Rather, it is through the sustainable development goals that we can establish peace and stability in this region. On this momentous event, let us re-commit to use our scarce resources for realising the sustainable development goals and making this world safe and liveable for our present and future generations. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

10.    Bangladesh has implemented the policy of “Zero Tolerance” to terrorism and has enacted laws and taken effective action against all forms of terrorism, to ensure national as well as international peace and security. Moreover, Bangladesh is an active, leading and proud partner of UN Peacekeeping and Peace Building activities. Bangladeshi peacekeepers, including women contingents, have been serving with acclaim in some of the most challenging locations around the world. 

August House, 

11.    Bangladesh sincerely attaches great importance to the maritime security, freedom of navigation and over flight, for international trade and economic cooperation of this region. We respect the principles contained in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed on 04 November 2002. Bangladesh deeply appreciates that all parties concerned have reaffirmed their respect for and commitment to the freedom of navigation in and over flight above the South China Sea. 

Distinguished Audience, 

12.    Nowadays, due to growing dependence on virtual resources and rapid technological developments, cyber security landscape poses a significant challenge across South Asia and Southeast Asia. Social affinity among the states of this region has opened avenues for   similar cyber crimes on a social level affecting individuals. If left unattended, it may turn into a serious matter of concern in the context of the ongoing pandemic when the entire world has been forced to enter into an unprecedented mode of virtual communication. To ensure national security and confidentiality uncompromised, countries of the region need to be equipped with cyber intelligence and appropriate political and regulatory processes. With an objective to ensure security in ICT sector, Bangladesh enacted Digital Security Act 2018 along with other laws, which is also enshrined in our national legislation.  

Eminent Speakers, 

13.     I would like to reiterate Bangladesh’s commitment to contribute in the best possible manner in her engagement with the ASEAN member countries. It is my firm conviction that Bangladesh, being located between ASEAN and SAARC, provides a lot of opportunities and potentials to furthering trade, investment and wide economic relations with the ASEAN countries. As you are well informed that Bangladesh applied for the status of Secretarial Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, which if received, can add impetus in Bangladesh’s role in bridging these two important regions of the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

14.   Countries must understand the long-term benefits of regional and multilateral cooperation. In successful multilateral agreements, an even-playing field can assist all cooperating countries in developing their economies, promoting good governance, and supporting cross-border infrastructure projects. In this region, multilateral cooperation can support the development of stronger transportation systems, better connectivity plus best practices in the field of agriculture, and contributions to scientific development. If the region can act collectively, this region is well poised to succeed globally with a diverse range of natural resources and human capital to match the needs of its growing economies. 

I thank you once again. 

Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.