The Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar, paid a farewell courtesy call on the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Tarique Rahman, MP, on 23 August 2026.

During the meeting, the Secretary General expressed his deep appreciation to the Government and people of Bangladesh for the country’s historic leadership and steadfast commitment to the SAARC process and regional cooperation. He underscored the enduring significance of SAARC as the premier regional platform for promoting peace, stability, prosperity and shared development in South Asia.

The Secretary General recalled with profound respect the visionary initiative of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh, whose statesmanship and foresights led to the establishment of SAARC. He also highlighted Bangladesh’s pioneering role in the creation of the regional organization and its continued constructive contribution to advancing regional cooperation.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister emphasized that regional cooperation remains vital for addressing the common challenges facing South Asia and advancing the shared interests and aspirations of its peoples. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening the SAARC process and emphasized the need to keep the spirit of regional cooperation alive through sustained engagement, dialogue and practical collaboration among Member States.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister also shared his vision for a more dynamic, effective and people-centred SAARC, with greater focus on areas of mutual interest and practical cooperation that can directly contribute to the welfare and prosperity of the peoples of South Asia.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister also commended the Secretary General for his efforts to maintain and advance the activities of SAARC during his tenure and expressed appreciation for his dedication to keeping the regional process active through continued programmes, institutional engagement and cooperation among Member States.

The Secretary General also acknowledged Bangladesh’s important contribution as the host of the SAARC Agriculture Center and the South Asian Regional Standards Organization, and expressed sincere appreciation for the country’s longstanding support to SAARC and its Specialized Bodies and Regional Centres.

The meeting underscored the importance of translating the shared vision of SAARC into practical, people-centred and result-oriented cooperation, with greater emphasis on economic integration, connectivity, food security, climate resilience, sustainable development and enhanced people-to-people contacts.

The Secretary General expressed his sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Government of Bangladesh for their continued support to SAARC. He reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with all Member States to advance the objectives of SAARC and contribute to the revitalization of the regional process, in keeping with the vision of its founding leaders and the aspirations of the peoples of South Asia.