Joining 'Quad': BIISS assigned to look into it, says Momen

The foreign ministry has assigned Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) to look into the matter whether Bangladesh should join a US-led strategic initiative "Quad".

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said this while addressing a programme titled BIISS Research Colloquium 2022 today.

"Recently, there is a debate over the Quad and Indo-Pacific Business Forum. To understand the issues, we requested the BIISS to look into the matter," said Momen.

"They have submitted a report on the Indo-Pacific Business Forum with the pros and cons if Bangladesh joins it…. we are working on it," he added.

"The foreign ministry expects more innovative research activities along with the traditional ones (from BIISS). With impending global climatic, political and economic crises, its role will be greater than ever in making our decision," he added.

"We, the ministry of foreign affairs, stand ready to extend cooperation," Momen said.

BIISS Director General Maj Gen Sheikh Pasha Habib Uddin delivered the welcome speech in the inaugural session, chaired by BIISS Chairman Ambassador Kazi Imtiaz Hossain.

The institute hosted the programme both in-person and virtually from its office.

US, India, Japan and Australia are part of an informal strategic alliance "Quadrilateral Security Dialogue" or Quad.

US and India co-hosted the fourth annual Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) virtually from October 28 to 29 last year.

BIISS is a statutory government institution established with aim of undertaking and promoting research and deliberation on international affairs, security and developmental issues.