Bangladesh has reiterated its commitment to open and cooperative regional security while underscoring that no form of interference in national sovereignty is acceptable.
The stance was outlined by National Security Adviser (NSA) Khalilur Rahman during the 7th Meeting of National Security Advisers of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), held Thursday at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service in New Delhi.
Khalilur Rahman said Bangladesh envisions the CSC developing into an open, inclusive, and effective multilateral platform built on the principles of open regionalism, mutual trust, shared benefits, and respect for internal affairs.
In his opening remarks, India’s NSA Ajit Doval described the ocean as the region’s “greatest heritage” and a central driver of member states’ economies. He said the shared maritime geography places a collective responsibility on CSC members to safeguard regional peace, security, and stability.
Doval reaffirmed India’s commitment to working jointly with member states to address evolving and future security challenges.
Speaking at the session, Khalilur Rahman stressed that as a Bay of Bengal littoral state, Bangladesh views the stability and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region as a shared strategic priority.
He noted that global economic growth, trade flows, climate change, technological advancement, and strategic dynamics all converge in the Indian Ocean, shaping the region’s collective interests.
He said Bangladesh remains committed to promoting a free, open, peaceful, secure, and inclusive maritime domain grounded in sovereignty, equality, political independence, non-interference, peaceful dispute resolution, and adherence to international law and the UN Charter.
He emphasised the need for regional and international cooperation on sustainable development, global peace and security, humanitarian assistance, and the protection of fundamental rights.
Acknowledging the value of the CSC’s five thematic pillars, Khalilur Rahman said these priorities are essential for enhancing shared security, regional stability, and collective prosperity.
Underscoring the strategic importance of the maritime sector, he said Bangladesh works closely with partner countries to counter piracy, illegal fishing, maritime terrorism, and transnational crime. He noted that Bangladesh has dealt with challenges from terrorism and extremism in the past and maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy in all situations.
Khalilur Rahman also highlighted emerging threats from misinformation and disinformation, saying Bangladesh is focused on safeguarding its cyberspace, critical infrastructure, and technological systems, not only to protect its citizens but also to ensure no activity from within its borders poses risks to regional or global communities.
Reaffirming Dhaka’s commitment to mutual trust, respect, and shared interests, the Khalilur Rahman said Bangladesh stands ready to work collectively toward a stable, secure, and prosperous region.
“We cannot allow any external or internal factor to become a threat to another state or community,” he said, adding that Bangladesh is prepared to pursue cooperative solutions through transparency and mutual confidence.
He concluded by expressing Bangladesh’s hope that the Colombo Security Conclave will evolve into a genuinely open, inclusive, and multilateral regional institution grounded in the principles of open regionalism.
