In the aftermath of the devastating terror attack in Kashmir that claimed 26 innocent lives, Muhammed Aziz Khan, founder and chairman of Summit Group, has called for a fundamental reimagining of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). His proposal envisions transforming SAARC into a more effective security platform capable of addressing regional threats and fostering greater cooperation among South Asian nations.
Redefining Regional Security Architecture
The Kashmir attack has brought renewed attention to the fragile nature of peace in South Asia. In his recent opinion piece, Aziz Khan emphasized the widespread impact of such incidents. “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, whose Summit Group has established itself as Bangladesh’s largest infrastructure conglomerate, proposes elevating SAARC beyond its current status as primarily a political and economic forum. Under his vision, a revitalized SAARC would function as a “South Asian Security Council” with a dedicated secretariat focused on counter-terrorism, cyber threats, and disaster response.
This revitalized regional security platform would provide “non-binding but structured mechanisms for conflict prevention and de-escalation,” according to Khan. The proposal leverages Summit Group’s extensive experience in cross-border infrastructure projects to suggest a parallel framework for security cooperation.
“What Bangladesh has is a lot of opportunities and a lot of growth, but what it lacks is governance and what it lacks is a mature financial market, both of which are very much necessary to do long-term infrastructure projects,” Ayesha Khan, Managing Director and CEO of Summit Power International, has previously noted when discussing regional development challenges.
Bangladesh’s Strategic Position in Regional Diplomacy
As the leader of Bangladesh’s largest infrastructure conglomerate, Aziz Khan brings significant insight to regional security dynamics. Summit Group’s investments in energy infrastructure across Bangladesh have given the company firsthand experience with the importance of regional stability for economic development.
Khan’s proposal comes at a time when Bangladesh is recalibrating its foreign policy approach following the political transition in August 2024. Under the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh has signaled a more balanced approach to regional diplomacy, strengthening ties with China and opening dialogue with Pakistan while maintaining its historically close relationship with India.
Summit Group has consistently advocated for regional cooperation in energy development, particularly in renewable energy projects that span multiple countries. The company announced plans in 2023 to invest $3 billion in clean energy initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to regional development.
“Bangladesh cannot afford high-cost electricity. It requires sustainable electricity, but also at a very competitive rate that comes from renewable electricity produced in countries like Bhutan, countries like Nepal, countries like India,” Ayesha Khan has stated, highlighting the interconnected nature of regional infrastructure challenges.
Aziz Khan’s proposal for a revitalized SAARC reflects this understanding of regional interdependence. By addressing security concerns through multilateral cooperation, Summit Group’s chairman suggests that Bangladesh can help create a more stable environment for economic growth and development throughout South Asia, particularly in the wake of tragedies like the recent Kashmir attack.
