The Future of Asia | BOBC 2026

How can Asian nations navigate geopolitical competition while advancing regional cooperation and shared prosperity? The Future of Asia, a Leadership Forum at the Bay of Bengal Conversation 2026, explores US–China rivalry, Bangladesh’s development priorities and opportunities for cooperation across the Bay of Bengal. The discussion considers regional connectivity, youth opportunities and the importance of ensuring that economic growth benefits people across society. Speakers Sreeradha Datta, Professor, O. P. Jindal Global University, India Mirco Gunther, Head of the Asia-Pacific Department, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), Germany Rounaq Jahan, Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue, Bangladesh Andaleeve Rahman, Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Member of Parliament, Bangladesh Farooq Sobhan, Former Foreign Secretary, Bangladesh Moderator Satoru Nagao, Fellow (Non-Resident), Hudson Institute, Japan Date: 3 October 2026 Venue: Grand Ballroom, Pan Pacific Sonargaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh Organiser: Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) Chapters 00:00 Opening remarks and Asia’s changing strategic landscape 02:40 Asia’s future amid US–China rivalry 10:48 Multipolarity, fair rules and shared prosperity 19:29 Great-power competition and Bangladesh’s priorities 26:06 Blue economy, maritime security and the Rohingya crisis 30:21 India’s perspective on Bay of Bengal cooperation 34:26 Regional integration and people-centred development 40:37 Lessons from Europe on regional cooperation 42:08 Bangladesh’s strengths and the role of young people 45:20 Diaspora engagement and regional connectivity 48:05 India’s growth and opportunities for regional partnerships 50:56 Investing in youth and reducing inequality 54:58 Germany’s changing outlook and lessons from Bangladesh 56:47 Closing remarks About CGS The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) is an independent, non-profit think tank in Bangladesh working to strengthen governance and support democratic development through research and dialogue. Connect with CGS Website: https://cgs-bd.com/ Facebook:   / cgs.org   Instagram:   / centreforgovernancestudiesbd   LinkedIn:   / centerforgovernancestudies   X: https://x.com/CGSbangladesh © 2026 Centre for Governance Studies (CGS). All rights reserved. #BoBC2026 #BayOfBengalConversation #FutureOfAsia