ASEAN Day 2019: The ASEAN Dhaka Committee commemorates the 52nd anniversary of the founding of ASEAN.

Report by Humayun Kabir from Dhaka.

The ASEAN Dhaka Committee (ADC) organized the ASEAN Flag Raising Ceremony followed by the ASEAN Food Festival in commemoration of the ASEAN Day 2019 at the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka on 8 August 2019.

The Honourable Minister for Industries of the Government of the People’s Republic of  Bangladesh, Mr Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, MP, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Also present at the ceremony were H.E. Haji Haris Bin Haji Othman, the High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam, H.E. Mrs. Rina P. Soemarno,  the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia , H.E. Mr. Lwin Oo,the Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , H.E. Mr. Vicente Vivencio T. Bandillo, the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines , H.E. Mrs. Arunrung Phothong Humphreys, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand, H.E. Mr. Tran Van Khoa, the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam; Mr. William Chik, the Consul of the Republic of  Singapore,  Mr. Amir Farid Abu Hasan, the  Acting High Commissioner of the High Commission of Malaysia.

In her remarks as ASEAN Chair, Thai Ambassador H.E. Mrs. Arunrung Phothong Humphreys highlighted the unity of ASEAN and the people-centred community which leaves no-one behind and remains future-focused for the benefits of succeeding generations. This aspect is captured in Thailand ASEAN Chairmanship theme of “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability”.

This theme was thoroughly deliberated and fully supported at the 34^th ASEAN Summit last June in Bangkok. As ASEAN chair, therefore,Thailand is focusing its undertakings to enhance “Sustainability of things” to enable ASEAN to respond to a host of changes and challenges arising from economic and international political competitiveness, increased terrorism and transnational crime, disruptive technology, climate change, and concerns regarding the 4^th Industrial Revolution.

She added that , Bangladesh and ASEAN member countries have worked together to address challenges which are global in nature and hence require collective solutions. The recently concluded ASEAN Regional Forum in Bangkok from
1-3 August, in which His Excellency Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen,
Honourable  Foreign Minister, took part in the comprehensive deliberations on key security issues, is a testimony of our concerted efforts to work towards collective solutions. We are certain that our strong partnership and cooperation as well as genuine and frank contributions will pave the way towards greater sustainable peace, prosperity and development both regionally and globally.

ASEAN  Dhaka  Committee  Chair  William Chik, the consul of Singapore, said in 52 years ASEAN has been able to enhance unique cooperation among its members. The regional forum also developed more people to people contact over the years.“We hope to continue stronger cooperation,” he said.

As chief guest, while addressing at the ASEAN Day program Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun said, We in Bangladesh are mindful of our historical and cultural ties with the ASEAN Member states that bind our nation’s together. We firmly believe that our desire to enhance peace and harmony in the region will further cement these ties.

He added that, you are aware that Bangladesh is currently hosting 1.1 million forcibly displaced Rohingya people of Myanmar. Despite various challenges to its economy, ecology as well as the overall societal impact it may render, Bangladesh took a bold and humanitarian decision to shelter them for the sake of humanity.

Bangladesh is keen to resolve this problem peacefully and good neighbourly spirit. If left unresolved, the crisis has the potential to destabilize the entire region. we solicit support and cooperation from our ASEAN friends and partners so that the Rohingyas can return to their place of about in safety, security and dignity and reintegrate with their original society.

he further said,Bangladesh is concerned over the crisis emanating from a host of non- traditional security challenges, such as degradation of the marine environment, trafficking of illicit drugs and arms, robbery at sea,   illegal fishing, cyber crimes and human trafficking. we call upon the ASEAN community to increase cooperation in responding to these emerging threats and stress the need to address these challenges in a holistic and comprehensive manner.

The issue of climate change is an existential question for Bangladesh. Committed to the Paris Agreement, Bangladesh would continue its efforts in coordination with ASEAN friends to mobilize domestic and international resources to secure a green and safe planet.

Nurul Majid said ,We reaffirm the importance of harnessing our individual and collective strength to boost the resilience of ASEAN community and develop innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of disasters induced by climate change.

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Apart from Ambassadors, High Commissioners and diplomats, Foreign Ministry Officers, the business community and members of the media participated at the ASEAN Food Festival.

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Where the guests had the opportunity to appreciate scrumptious cuisines from 8 ASEAN countries at the ASEAN Food Festival.