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Published : 20 Nov 2025, 08:38 PM
Bangladesh has underscored the importance of working with an "open mind" concerning security cooperation among the countries of the Indian Ocean region.
At the same time, National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman, speaking at the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) meeting held in New Delhi on Thursday, also reiterated the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.
Addressing the national security advisor-level meeting of the CSC, he said: "Bangladesh remains firm on the values and principles of the Conclave, advocating for a free, open, peaceful, secure, and inclusive region for the common prosperity of all members of the Indian Ocean region."
"And that is based on the principles of sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs, as stated in the Conclave Charter."
Outlining the statement later during the discussion segment, he said: "Bangladesh is participating in some of the CSC activities and will continue to do so in the future, based on the fundamental principles enshrined in the organisation's Charter, namely sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and non-interference."
Khalilur joined the CSC meeting at the invitation of the host, India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who chaired the meeting.
The security advisors of CSC member countries the Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, along with India and Bangladesh, attended the meeting. Seychelles participated as an observer state and Malaysia as a guest in this seventh session.
In the country’s statement, Khalilur further said: "Bangladesh recognises the importance of the five identified pillars of the Conclave's work and the important role that CSC can play along these pillars in enhancing collective security, regional stability and shared prosperity for all members of the region.
“Bangladesh has been steadfastly playing its dual role in this regard. We are working alongside regional nations to enhance maritime safety and security, comber piracy and other organised maritime crimes and terrorism, as well as to ensure cybersecurity.”
He said, “Bangladesh has consistently condemned global terrorism. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of terrorism, under any circumstance. With growing digitalisation and technological developments, including artificial intelligence, the menace of cybercrime is affecting all our countries. We are committed towards securing our own cyberspace, critical infrastructure and technology, not only for the safety of our citizens.”
The advisor added. “I am pleased to pledge Bangladesh's readiness to work hand in hand to ensure a stable, secure, peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region, and to confront our common challenges.
“We do not afford to allow any exogenous or indigenous forces to challenge the security and well-being of our community and any part thereof. We, therefore, continue to stand ready to find common grounds to address common issues based on mutual trust and openness.”
