Emphasizing  multilateral relations with ASEAN countries, Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid said that the BNP government  undertook a number of initiatives to enhance the sectoral cooperation with the region, a press release said.

Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid was speaking as the chief guest at a reception marking the celebration of the 59th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN at a city hotel on Monday evening.

He said “I am pleased to inform you that, under my Ministry, we are implementing the ‘Bangladesh-ASEAN Cooperation Project on Fisheries and Aquaculture’, with a budget of nearly USD 0.5 million. Additional including tourism, ICT, MSMEs, and culture projects in other sectors currently underway. “

“To further strengthen our relationship, Bangladesh has applied for ‘Sectoral Dialogue Partner (SDP)’ status with ASEAN,” the minister said

The minister said that the government would  seek the continued support of the ASEAN Heads of Mission present here today in favourably considering Bangladesh’s application for Sectoral Dialogue Partner status.

The businessmen, diplomats, civil and military bureaucracy , civil society members and journalists attended the reception

The minister said “Bangladesh shares special bonds with ASEAN as a close neighbour. Our ties date back many centuries, rooted in shared history, culture,  faith,  connected by common borders both by land and sea. We maintain  strong people to people contacts and robust trade relations . These links give us good reasons to elevate our relationships to the next level, for our  mutual and collective benefits.

The minister in his speech said that the  present government of Bangladesh, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique   Rahman , has given higher priority to Bangladesh’s  relationship with ASEAN and its 11 member states. “In this connection Prime Minister undertook his first state visit to Malaysia. We believe this visit has left a positive impression, further advancing Bangladesh-ASEAN relations,”  he said 

The minister also said “We regard ASEAN as one of the most successful regional organizations in the world. As we celebrate the 59th anniversary of its establishment, we remain hopeful that ASEAN’s relations with Bangladesh will grow ever more meaningful, particularly with Bangladesh’s formal acceptance into the ASEAN family.”

Meanwhile, the ASEAN Dhaka Committee (ADC), comprising the heads of mission of ASEAN Member States accredited to Bangladesh,  commemorated the 59th Anniversary of ASEAN Day at a reception on Monday  at a city  hotel.

ASEAN Day is observed annually on 8 August to mark the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

For nearly six decades, ASEAN has served as a cornerstone of regional cooperation, fostering peace, stability, economic growth and shared prosperity among its Member States while strengthening partnerships with the wider international community.

The 2026 celebration is anchored on the Philippines’ Chairship theme: “Navigating Our Future, Together,” which focuses on building resilient regional connections, energy security and food supply resilience.

The event commenced with the welcome remarks by the Chair of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee. Mohd Shuhada Othman, High Commissioner of Malaysia, followed by commemorative messages from Nina Padilla Cainglet, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines, in honour of the Philippines’ Chairship of ASEAN for 2026.

The programme then featured a video montage highlighting the activities and engagements undertaken by the ASEAN Dhaka Committee throughout 2026, followed by a video highlight showcasing the Philippines’ Chairship of ASEAN for 2026….

Since its founding in 1967, ASEAN has made remarkable strides in advancing peace, stability, economic integration and shared prosperity across the region. As ASEAN commemorates its 59th Anniversary in 2026, the Association continues to strengthen regional cooperation, deepen its community-building efforts, and enhance its resilience in addressing emerging regional and global challenges.

The celebrations in Dhaka underscored ASEAN’s enduring commitment to fostering friendship, dialogue, and cooperation with partners such as Bangladesh.

The occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on ASEAN’s achievements over nearly six decades, celebrate the region’s rich cultural diversity, and reaffirm a shared commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future.