Bangladesh becomes 5th member of 'Colombo security conclave'

Bangladesh became the fifth full member of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) on July 10, 2024. The group, which previously held Observer status, now includes India, Mauritius, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh's Membership in the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)

Bangladesh officially became the fifth full member of the CSC on July 10, 2024
Joined during the 8th Deputy National Security Adviser (DNSA) level meeting
Previously held Observer status in the CSC
Now joins India, Mauritius, Maldives, and Sri Lanka as full members
Seychelles currently holds Observer status in the CSC

8th DNSA Level Meeting of the CSC

Hosted virtually by Mauritius
Attended by representatives from all member countries and Seychelles
Reviewed progress on CSC's Roadmap of Activities for 2023-2024
Discussed decisions from previous meetings
Decided to hold the 7th National Security Advisor level meeting in India later in 2024

Key participants:

India: Deputy National Security Adviser Pankaj Kumar Singh
Sri Lanka: General LHSC Silva
Bangladesh: Lt. Gen. Mizanur Rahman Shameem
Maldives: Major General (Retd.) Hameed Shafeeg
Seychelles: Lt Col Michael Hollanda
Mauritius: Yoidhisteer Thecka
CSC Secretariat: Acting Secretary Commodore AD Weerasinghe

About the Colombo Security Conclave

Origins and Evolution:

Started as India-Sri Lanka-Maldives maritime security dialogue in 2011
Renamed Colombo Security Conclave in 2020
Mauritius joined as the fourth member
Bangladesh's inclusion expands the group to five full members

Secretariat: Established in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2021

Five Pillars (adopted in March 2022):

1. Maritime safety and security

2. Countering terrorism and radicalization

3. Combating trafficking and transnational organized crime

4. Cybersecurity and protection of critical infrastructure and technology

5. Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief

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