The Ash Center of Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University Hosts Roundtable Discussion on
'Bangladesh: Achievements, Challenges and Way Forward' with Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. A.K.
Abdul Momen
“Bangladesh is right on track under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in realizing the ‘Sonar
Bangla’ as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman”, said the Foreign Minister
of Bangladesh Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen. He remarked this as the keynote speaker at a roundtable discussion
titled ‘Bangladesh: Achievements, Challenges and Way Forward’ organized by The Ash Center of Harvard
Kennedy School, Harvard University on March 20, 2023. The roundtable discussion was well-attended, with
significant participation of faculty members, researchers and post-graduate students of Kennedy School. The
event provided a unique opportunity for policymakers, academics and experts to engage in discussions on
Bangladesh's success in the domestic and international arena, the challenges it is currently facing and
promises it holds.
The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. Momen emphasized the country's phenomenal progress in its
economic and developmental landscapes, including poverty alleviation, women empowerment, natural
disaster management, digital transformation as well as power and transport infrastructure development.
Reiterating the government’s steadfast commitments and outcome oriented strategies in turning Bangladesh
to ‘Sonar Bangla’ as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Dr. Momen
credited this spectacular development trajectory of Bangladesh to the visionary and dynamic leadership of
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Minister presented Bangladesh's success stories of evolving into a resilient economy, a connecting hub
and an investment destination. On that note of economic success, he mentioned the issue of Bangladesh’s
transition from the least-developed country to a developing nation. Underlining the roadmap for
development, he stressed the role of technology, innovation and research in realising the vision of ‘Smart
Bangladesh’.
The geopolitical realities of the region and beyond was reflected in the address of the Foreign Minister. He
shed light on the role and contributions of Bangladesh in the regional context, articulating the importance of
cooperation and partnership, particularly with neighboring countries. The Minister stated that Bangladesh is
committed to promoting peace, harmony and stability in the region and beyond in accordance to its foreign
policy objective “Friendship to all, malice towards none”. The discussion also focused on tackling the
challenges posed by Rohingya crisis, climate change adversity, pandemic fallout as well as ramifications of
global political, financial, economic and security uncertainties.
During the interactive session, the participants shared their insights and perspectives, contributing to a lively
discussion on various aspects of Bangladesh in particular, as well as global and regional dynamics in general.
Anthony Saich, Daewoo Professor of International Affairs of the Ash Center and Director of the Rajawali
Foundation Institute for Asia at Harvard Kennedy School delivered the welcome remarks and thanked the
Foreign Minister for attending the roundtable. Consul General of Bangladesh in New York Dr. Mohammad
Monirul Islam made the closing remarks, voicing optimism that the cooperation between the Government of
Bangladesh and the Ash Center would be further consolidated in the days to come.