ছবি: Photo: Collected
The third edition of the international geopolitical conference, Bay of Bengal Conversation (BoBC) 2024, organized by the Center for Governance Studies (CGS), begins today in Dhaka. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Interim Head of Government and a globally renowned economist, will deliver the keynote speech at the event's inauguration.
Announcing the conference at a press briefing in Dhaka on Friday, CGS Executive Director Zillur Rahman said, "We are honored to have Bangladesh's Interim Head of Government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, as the inaugural speaker."
The conference will convene over 200 speakers, 300 representatives, and 800 participants from more than 80 countries. The three-day event, being held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, will run until November 18. The theme of this year’s BoBC is “A Fractured World”. According to Rahman, the conference aims to provide a platform for Track-2 diplomacy among Indo-Pacific nations.
A key focus of the discussions will be identifying the challenges threatening peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Zillur Rahman added, “The Center for Governance Studies has been organizing the Bay of Bengal Conversation annually for the past two years. Although we faced obstacles from the government during the initial years, this year we have received considerable support. This marks our third and most extensive edition to date.”
Highlighting the significance of recent global events, Rahman stated, “This conference opens avenues for dialogue, collaboration, and a renewed definition of democratic principles. It will explore issues ranging from democracy, human rights, and climate change to economic development, security, and technological advancements across borders. We firmly believe that this event will strengthen diplomatic ties among countries in the region and contribute to peacebuilding. Specifically, it will serve as a diplomatic asset for reshaping a new and better Bangladesh.”
CGS Chair Munira Khan emphasized the importance of addressing global issues: “Through this conference, we aim to discuss democracy, peace, and human rights, among other pressing global matters. The agenda of this event is for the people—not for any political party. We seek to address challenges and explore their future implications, including concerns over disinformation, rumors, and misinformation.”
Khan added, “This platform allows us to examine global issues like democracy, human rights, elections, and poverty, ensuring meaningful discussions for the benefit of all.”
The Bay of Bengal Conversation 2024 is expected to emerge as a crucial diplomatic initiative to foster dialogue and collaboration among Indo-Pacific nations.
repoter
