Dhaka: France and Bangladesh are reinforcing their commitment to peace, multilateralism, and a rules-based international order, as highlighted by French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc S©r©-Charlet. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two nations in the face of growing global instability and unilateral actions.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Ambassador S©r©-Charlet delivered the keynote speech at a lecture series titled ‘France and the World: Bangladesh in it,’ organized by the Center for the Bay of Bengal Studies and Marana Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Global Studies and Governance at Independent University, Bangladesh. The Ambassador underscored the historical ties between France and Bangladesh and described Bangladesh as a key partner in promoting peace and international cooperation.
Addressing the accelerating changes in the global landscape, S©r©-Charlet warned of the ‘brutalisation’ of the global order, characterized by unilateralism, disregard for international law, and increasing conflict. He lauded Bangladesh’s significant contributions to UN peacekeeping operations, describing the country as a vital player in global peace and security.
The Ambassador reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to the United Nations, multilateralism, and international law, which he described as essential for global stability. He highlighted France’s foreign policy priorities, including feminist diplomacy and gender equality, commending the host university for its near gender parity.
Expressing concern over violations of international law, S©r©-Charlet cited Russia’s actions in Ukraine as a significant challenge to the rules-based order. He also pointed to the growing threat of hybrid warfare, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, and urged democracies to collaborate in countering fake news and manipulation, particularly during elections.
France is eager to enhance collaboration with Bangladesh in areas such as climate action, biodiversity conservation, maritime security, and Indo-Pacific cooperation. The Ambassador also reiterated France’s support for Palestinian rights and a peaceful resolution in the Middle East based on international law.
Marana Foundation President and Executive Chair Nahar Khan highlighted the evolving nature of Bangladesh-France relations, noting their shift beyond traditional development cooperation towards economic complementarities, shared innovation agendas, and long-term strategic alignment. She noted that both countries contribute uniquely to shared global goals, citing France’s technological expertise and Bangladesh’s economic growth and creative industries.
Marana Foundation Chairman Masud Jamil Khan highlighted the historical ties between the two nations, including France’s cultural support during Bangladesh’s Liberation War of 1971. He noted the steady expansion of economic relations, with France emerging as a major buyer of Bangladesh’s ready-made garments.
IUB Vice-Chancellor Professor M. Tamim emphasized the historical, respectful, and strategic roots of the relationship between Bangladesh and France. He recalled France’s support during the Liberation War and noted the evolution into a multi-layered partnership.
Didar A. Hossain, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of IUB, praised France’s commitment to human rights and advocated for stronger academic and institutional cooperation between IUB and French partners. Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Daniel W. Lund expressed gratitude to the Ambassador for his insights, emphasizing the mutual learning opportunities between France and Bangladesh.