On September 3rd, 2020, THE SONAR INSTITUTE had the distinct honor of hosting a private reception and one-on-one meeting with Dr. Sadre Alam, Chargé d’Affaires at the Bangladeshi Embassy in Paris. The event was held at the Bangladeshi Embassy, located at 109 Avenue Henri Martin, 75116 Paris, France.
During this esteemed gathering, Dr. Alam, currently serving as the acting ambassador, engaged in a comprehensive discussion about potential synergies and collaborations between the Bangladeshi Embassy and THE SONAR INSTITUTE. Dr. Alam expressed a keen interest in exploring future partnerships and offered both technical and financial support to advance the Institute’s initiatives. This significant gesture underscores the commitment to strengthening academic, educational, and scientific ties between Bangladesh and European nations.
The meeting also underscored the broader context of international relations, particularly the strong and growing ties between Bangladesh and France. The foreign policy of the Bangladeshi government prioritizes economic development and advocates for the interests of the least developed countries within international organizations such as the UN and WTO. Bangladesh champions a multilateral approach to international relations, representing nations most threatened by climate change and supporting regional cooperation. For instance, Bangladesh’s initiative in 1985 to establish the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and its participation in the 1997 launch of BIMST-EC, which includes Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, highlight its commitment to regional collaboration. Additionally, Bangladesh has strengthened ties with China through a strategic partnership signed in 2016 and has engaged in the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) corridor as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. This growing relationship, alongside recent advancements in relations with India and the significant contributions to peacekeeping operations, further emphasizes the country’s proactive role in global and regional diplomacy. The successful collaboration on the Bangladesh-France joint project in renewable energy is a prime example of how these ties translate into meaningful outcomes, demonstrating the potential for further cooperation and mutual benefit between the two nations.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence, to be commemorated on March 26, 2021, the event also highlighted the nation’s significant strides since gaining independence in 1971. This milestone served as a reminder of Bangladesh’s journey and achievements, from economic growth to advancements in various sectors, reinforcing the importance of continued international partnerships and cooperation. The anniversary celebration will include various cultural and diplomatic events that reflected on the country’s history and its aspirations for the future.
The meeting proved to be an invaluable opportunity for both parties to explore avenues for mutual growth and collaboration.
