SAARC revitalization stressed by Bangladesh in meetings on poverty alleviation

The Second Meeting of the SAARC Inter-Governmental Expert Group on Poverty Alleviation to finalize the first SAARC Development Report with the theme “SDR 2025: Shaping the Future Together for a Resilient SAARC” was held in Malé, Maldives on 22-23 April 2026.

The SAARC Meeting was hosted by the Government of the Maldives with administrative support of SAARC Secretariat and financial and technical support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The Meeting was Chaired by Ali Rasheed, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises of the Republic of Maldives.

The meeting was attended by delegations from the SAARC Member States comprising senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministries responsible for development issues.

Delegations from the Member States presented their respective national perspectives and priorities for SAARC Development highlighting in particular their visions of a Resilient SAARC through deepened regional collaboration aimed at addressing shared vulnerabilities, fostering collective resilience, and promoting inclusive growth across the region, and above all, Revitalizing SAARC Process for ensuring well-being and mutual benefits of the SAARC region and its people. 

Bangladesh delegation was comprised of Dr. Monzur Hossain, Member (Secretary), General Economics Division of Planning Commission and Director General of SAARC & BIMSTEC Wing of Foreign Ministry and National Focal Point (NFP) of Bangladesh to SAARC S. M. Mahbubul Alam and the delegations stressed on Revitalization of SAARC and Member States echoed the same sentiments and sprit of visible,  functional and a Resilient SAARC, which was the dream and aspirations of over two billion people of south Asian region.