Bangladesh will assume the BIMSTEC chair following the summit, marking a crucial phase in the region’s multilateral efforts. The focus of the summit will revolve around enhancing connectivity and cooperation across member states, comprising Bangladesh, India, Thailand, and several other nations in the Bay of Bengal region.
Though the exact dates for the Bangkok summit have not yet been confirmed, sources close to the Bangladeshi government have indicated that preparations are underway for a November timeline. This meeting is significant as it offers an opportunity for Yunus to formally engage with Modi after missing a chance for a discussion during the recent UN General Assembly in New York, where scheduling conflicts prevented the two from meeting.
Discussions at the BIMSTEC summit are expected to highlight key bilateral issues, including the visa challenges faced by Bangladeshi citizens. Due to administrative backlogs and procedural delays, several thousand visa applications have been left pending, causing frustration on both sides. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar had met with Yunus earlier, confirming India's commitment to resolving these issues, which have posed barriers to trade and travel between the two neighbors.
The meeting is expected to touch upon regional security. Bangladesh, currently under an interim government, has faced some temporary security concerns due to the absence of a fully functional government structure in recent months. However, Yunus has reassured international partners that security operations have normalized. The Bangladesh military remains supportive of civil authorities, ensuring that the situation remains stable ahead of the summit.