Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to securing membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). During a meeting with newly appointed Thai Ambassador Thitiporn Chirasawadi in Dhaka, Yunus expressed optimism that Thailand would support Bangladesh’s membership bid. The government has already applied for ASEAN’s Sectoral Dialogue Partner status as part of the accession process.

The discussion covered expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, maritime connectivity, cybersecurity, and people-to-people exchanges. The Thai envoy indicated Bangkok’s interest in initiating talks on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which could enhance Thai investment and trade with Bangladesh. Plans were also revealed to launch a direct shipping route between Ranong Port in Thailand and Chattogram Port in Bangladesh by March, following formal consultations in February.

Yunus emphasized the importance of issuing more visas for Bangladeshi nationals traveling to Thailand for medical, business, and educational purposes. The initiative is viewed as a strategic step toward linking South and Southeast Asia through stronger economic and diplomatic ties.