AIUB hosted seminar on South Asian geopolitics
American International University-Bangladesh hosted an international seminar titled "Understanding South Asian Geopolitics in the Context of Bangladesh" on 8 July 2026, focusing on Bangladesh's growing strategic role in the region and the wider Indo-Pacific.
The seminar was held at the AIUB Auditorium and was jointly organised by American International University-Bangladesh, Japan's Sasakawa Peace Foundation and Rikkyo University.
The event reflected the organisers' commitment to promoting evidence-based discussion and academic dialogue on regional and global issues.
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Dr Naonori Kusakabe, Associate Professor at Rikkyo University and Fellow of the Center for Mediation Support at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, delivered the welcome address.
He highlighted the importance of strengthening intellectual exchange between Bangladesh and Japan and discussed Bangladesh's growing role in contemporary regional strategic debates.
Representatives of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation also addressed the seminar, including Dr Akiko Horiba, Director of the Center for Mediation Support; Dr Masato Toriya, Associate Professor at the Institute of Global Studies at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and Fellow of the Center for Mediation Support; and Kyoka Oimatsu, Programme Associate at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.
Their remarks focused on Japan's interest in expanding academic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and policy-oriented research partnerships with Bangladesh.
Professor Dr Saiful Islam, Vice-Chancellor of American International University-Bangladesh, delivered the closing remarks, reaffirming the university's commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research, international cooperation and constructive policy dialogue on issues of regional and global importance.
The programme was moderated by Dr Mohammad Zahidul Islam Khan, Registrar of American International University-Bangladesh.
He highlighted the importance of academic research and intellectual engagement in understanding South Asia's rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. He also discussed how Bangladesh, amid shifting regional and global geopolitical competition, was emerging as a promising strategic actor in the Global South.
Academics from leading universities across Bangladesh presented papers at the seminar.
Sayeed Ibrahim Ahmed, Assistant Professor of Finance at American International University-Bangladesh, presented a paper titled "Economic Transformation in South Asia and Bangladesh's Role". The paper examined how Bangladesh's development achievements had strengthened the country's position through regional economic cooperation and connectivity.
Professor SM Ali Reza of the Department of Political Science at the University of Dhaka presented a paper titled "Bangladesh-Japan Relations and the Future of South Asian Diplomacy".
Md Mostofa Hossain, Assistant Professor at the School of Law of BRAC University, presented a paper titled "Towards Establishing an International Rules-Based System: Bangladesh's Future and Japan's Role".
Professor KM Mahiuddin of Jahangirnagar University presented a paper titled "Domestic Politics, Governance and Bangladesh's Position in the Regional Context", analysing the relationship between domestic governance and foreign policy.
Saleh Md Shahriar, Assistant Professor at North South University, presented a paper titled "China's Soft Power Strategy in Bangladesh".
Professor Shahab Enam Khan of Bangladesh University of Professionals presented a paper titled "Japan's Engagement in South Asia and Bangladesh's Strategic Position: Significance of Bilateral Relations".
Among those who attended the seminar were Professor Dr Abdur Rahman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of American International University-Bangladesh, deans of various faculties, teachers, researchers, policy experts and students from different universities.
The seminar discussed South Asia's evolving geopolitical landscape, emerging economic partnerships and Bangladesh's growing strategic importance in the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Discussions also covered governance, diplomacy, economic transformation, regional cooperation, and the opportunities and challenges in strengthening Bangladesh's relations with Japan and other regional partners.
The organisers said the event had created opportunities for participants and guests to exchange views and explore future academic and institutional cooperation between Bangladesh, Japan and the wider South Asian region.
