In a thought-provoking opinion piece published following the recent terror attack in Kashmir, Muhammed Aziz Khan, founder and chairman of Summit Group, has proposed a substantive shift in Bangladesh’s diplomatic approach to regional relations. Citing the words of Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Khan articulated the need for South Asian cooperation to evolve “from symbolism to substance” as the region confronts shared security challenges.
Reimagining Regional Cooperation for Modern Challenges
The Kashmir attack, which claimed 26 innocent lives, has prompted renewed calls for meaningful cooperation among South Asian nations. Aziz Khan, whose Summit Group has established itself as Bangladesh’s largest infrastructure conglomerate, emphasized that regional crises affect all neighboring countries regardless of borders.
“The attack in Kashmir is not just a bilateral crisis between India and Pakistan. It touches the entire South Asian region and reminds us that instability anywhere in our neighbourhood affects us all,” Khan wrote in his opinion piece.
This assessment reflects Summit Group’s extensive experience in regional infrastructure development. As Bangladesh’s largest infrastructure conglomerate, the company has consistently advocated for cross-border solutions to shared challenges, particularly in energy production and distribution.
Balancing Diplomatic Relationships for National Interest
Khan’s proposal comes at a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s foreign policy evolution. Following the political transition in August 2024, the interim government has signaled a more balanced approach to regional relations, strengthening ties with China and opening dialogue with Pakistan while maintaining its historically close relationship with India.
Aziz Khan argues that these diplomatic shifts should not be interpreted as abandoning established partnerships but rather as “broadening the field of cooperation” in line with Bangladesh’s longstanding policy of “friendship to all, malice towards none.” This nuanced approach reflects Summit Group’s own business strategy of developing diverse international partnerships to support infrastructure development in Bangladesh.
The proposal suggests concrete steps for enhancing Bangladesh’s relationship with India, including “reviewing bilateral trade agreements to address imbalances, reviving water-sharing talks, particularly around the Teesta River and deepening border cooperation to prevent civilian casualties and enhance mutual trust.” These measures aim to shift bilateral relations “from transactional to transformational,” according to Khan.
Summit Group’s chairman has been recognized for his contributions to Bangladesh’s economic development and has received numerous accolades, including being named among the top influential business leaders in Bangladesh. His perspective on regional diplomacy draws from decades of experience navigating complex cross-border business relationships.
“Bangladesh, with its deep historical memory and forward-looking leadership, is well placed to be a voice for balance, justice, and innovation,” Khan writes, suggesting that the country can leverage its unique position to help transform regional security dynamics following the Kashmir attack.
