For Bangladesh to get membership in ASEAN, Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus asked for Indonesia’s support. He also urged this Southeast Asian country to create more business opportunities for Bangladeshis.
On Sunday (November 3), Ambassador of Indonesia appointed to Bangladesh, Heru Hartanto Subolo, in the office of the chief adviser in Tejgaon, Dhaka. He made this call when he came to have a farewell meeting with Muhammad Yunus.
Indonesian Ambassador Heru Hartanto Subolo made this call during a farewell meeting at the Chief Adviser’s office in Tejgaon.
The chief adviser told the Indonesian ambassador, ’Hopefully Indonesia will help us to get ASEAN membership. It is very important for us.’
Dr. Yunus said that he discussed this matter with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his recent visit to Bangladesh, as Malaysia is going to take over the chairmanship of ASEAN in January.
Ambassador Subolo expressed Indonesia’s support for Bangladesh’s interim government and said, ’Indonesia will closely monitor Bangladesh’s ASEAN membership.’
‘Indonesia has always stood by Bangladesh and is ready to help. Hopefully, it will be fruitful for both countries,’ he said.
The Chief Adviser recalled his multiple visits to Indonesia to promote microfinance and said he saw very little presence of Bangladeshi businesses there.
The chief adviser said, ‘It is always sad that there are not many Bangladeshis in Indonesia. They are almost everywhere, but not in Indonesia.’
He also said, ‘Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world, but people here are not very aware of Bangladesh. How come we can’t communicate much.’
“We have to find a way that will bring us closer together,” he said.
The Chief Adviser urged Indonesia to increase the admission of Bangladeshi students in its universities, recruit more Bangladeshi doctors and import pharmaceutical products from Bangladesh.
Ambassador Subolo pledged to work to increase business cooperation between Bangladesh and Indonesia.
He expressed satisfaction with the MoU signed between Indonesia’s Pertamina Power and Bangladesh’s Coal Production Company Limited in July 2024 regarding solar PV investment projects in Matarbari and other areas.
The Chief Adviser congratulated the newly elected Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on his assumption of office and invited him to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Bangladesh’s Pursuit of ASEAN Membership
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, and thank you for joining us today! It’s a pleasure to have you here. Let’s dive right in. You recently met with the Indonesian ambassador regarding Bangladesh’s goal of becoming a member of ASEAN. Can you share why ASEAN membership is so important for Bangladesh?
Dr. Yunus: Thank you for having me. ASEAN membership is crucial for Bangladesh as it opens up a multitude of opportunities for economic growth, trade, and collaboration with Southeast Asian countries. Being part of ASEAN would facilitate better business and investment prospects for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, which is vital for our economic development.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned in your meeting with the Indonesian ambassador that you were seeking their support for this membership. What specific support did you request from Indonesia?
Dr. Yunus: I urged Indonesia to advocate for Bangladesh’s membership in ASEAN and to help create more business opportunities for our citizens. Given Indonesia’s influence in the ASEAN region, their support can significantly bolster our chances for membership and the economic integration we seek.
Time.news Editor: Indonesia’s ambassador assured you of their support. How optimistic are you about achieving ASEAN membership with their backing?
Dr. Yunus: My interactions with Ambassador Heru Hartanto Subolo were encouraging. He expressed Indonesia’s commitment to assist us in this endeavor, highlighting Indonesia’s historical support for Bangladesh. With their help, I’m hopeful that we can navigate the necessary steps towards membership successfully.
Time.news Editor: You also spoke with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during your recent visit. How does Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN play into Bangladesh’s aspirations?
Dr. Yunus: Malaysia taking over the ASEAN chairmanship in January presents a unique opportunity for us. I believe we can leverage this change in leadership to engage in dialogues, showcase our readiness for membership, and gain support from other member states. It’s a strategic time for us to present our case.
Time.news Editor: You have voiced concerns about the limited presence of Bangladeshi businesses in Indonesia. What steps do you think need to be taken to enhance this presence?
Dr. Yunus: It’s imperative that we actively promote Bangladeshi microfinance and entrepreneurship in Indonesia. We need to establish networks and partnerships that can help local businesses understand the market dynamics. Creating an environment where our businesses can thrive in Indonesia will be beneficial not only for our economy but also enrich bilateral relations.
Time.news Editor: In your opinion, what benefits can Bangladesh gain from ASEAN membership beyond economic opportunities?
Dr. Yunus: Beyond economics, ASEAN membership can enhance regional cooperation on various fronts such as education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. It can strengthen our political ties and foster cultural exchanges, ultimately leading to a more integrated Southeast Asia where all member countries can prosper together.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Professor Yunus. It’s clear that your vision for Bangladesh includes a robust participation in global arenas like ASEAN. We look forward to seeing how this unfolds and wish you the best in your endeavors.
Dr. Yunus: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these important issues. Together, we can work towards a prosperous future for Bangladesh in the ASEAN community.