Ultimate goal is to join ASEAN as a full member

Prof Yunus says, seeking support from Thai elite

April 05, 2025 00:00:00

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus joins a breakfast meeting with Thai dignitaries at a hotel in Bangkok on the sidelines of BIMSTEC Summit on Friday. — PID

BANGKOK, April 4 (UNB): Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday sought support from the elite of Thai society for Dhaka's efforts to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"That is where our future is," the Chief Adviser told Thai dignitaries at a breakfast meeting at a hotel in the Thailand's capital city of Bangkok.

Bangladesh has planned to join the ASEAN as its sectoral dialogue partner, but Professor Yunus said the ultimate goal is to join as a full member of the key regional group.

The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh believes in multilateralism, and it is a proud member of SAARC and BIMSTEC.

He said the regional groups should step up their efforts to foster economic growth and bring people closer.

Thai leaders, including former Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, a former deputy prime minister, top business leaders, bankers, academics and civil society leaders joined the meeting, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.

The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh hopes to get support from top ASEAN nations, including Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, for the membership.

Prof Yunus also stressed greater collaboration between peoples of Thailand and Bangladesh, saying both nations share similar histories and challenges.

"This will be the beginning of the relationship we want to build," he said, referring to the meeting.

The Chief Adviser also weighed in on the recent development in global trade, saying the world could use the "disorder" to its benefits.

"Disorder can shake up things," he said, adding: "We need greater collaboration. Can we rethink a new business model?"

The Chief Adviser highlighted recent changes in Bangladesh and the student-led uprising, which has toppled a brutal dictatorship and helped usher in a new era in the country.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, the CA's High Representative Dr Khalilur Rahman, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin were present at the meeting.