The fourth edition of the Bay of Bengal Conversation 2025 opened in the Bangladeshi capital on Saturday, bringing together an unprecedented gathering of global negotiators, academics, diplomats and development experts. This year’s conference, organised by the Center for Governance Studies (CGS), is being held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel from November 22 to 24.
According to Bangladesh Correspondent Saleem Raza, the event has drawn 200 negotiators and 300 delegates from 85 countries, including India and Pakistan—underscoring the forum’s rising importance as a platform for regional and international cooperation. More than 1,000 participants are attending the three-day summit, marking the conference’s largest turnout to date.
Bangladesh’s Chief Justice Syed Rifat Ahmed inaugurated the event, stressing the need for dialogue, transparency and collective problem-solving in a rapidly changing global landscape. His speech set the tone for a conference focused on governance, geopolitics, security, climate resilience, economic partnerships and technological innovation across the Bay of Bengal region and beyond.
The diverse guest list reflects the conference’s wide scope. Attendees include former heads of state, cabinet ministers, diplomats, military strategists, scholars, business leaders, investors, journalists, human rights advocates, technology specialists and representatives from major global development agencies.
This year’s edition aims to foster deeper understanding and build actionable solutions for regional stability and prosperity—especially at a time when global tensions and economic challenges demand collaborative approaches.
As discussions continue over the weekend, Dhaka has firmly positioned itself as a hub for international dialogue and a driving force for cooperation across the Bay of Bengal and wider Indo-Pacific region.