Bangladesh has issued a strong call for the revitalisation of SAARC, urging member states to transform it into a visible, functional, and resilient regional platform dedicated to the welfare of over two billion South Asians.

The appeal was made during the second meeting of the SAARC Inter-Governmental Expert Group on Poverty Alleviation, held in Male, Maldives, from April 22-23.

According to a press release, the primary objective of the gathering was to finalise the inaugural SAARC Development Report, titled "SDR 2025: Shaping the Future Together for a Resilient SAARC."

Hosted by the Government of the Maldives, the meeting received administrative support from the SAARC Secretariat, alongside financial and technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The sessions were chaired by Ali Rasheed, Deputy Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises of the Maldives, and attended by senior officials from the foreign and development ministries of SAARC member states.

During the proceedings, delegations presented their national perspectives and development priorities.

There was a consensus on the necessity for deeper regional cooperation to address shared vulnerabilities, strengthen collective resilience, and promote inclusive growth throughout South Asia.

Bangladesh was represented by Dr. Monzur Hossain, Member (Secretary) of the General Economics Division of the Planning Commission and SM Mahbubul Alam, Director General of the SAARC and BIMSTEC Wing of the Foreign Ministry and National Focal Point to SAARC.

In the deliberations, the Bangladesh delegation strongly emphasised the need to re-energise the SAARC process.

Other member states echoed these sentiments, collectively calling for a more active and effective regional body to serve the people of the region.