BIPSS Organized International Conference on Afghanistan beyond 2014: Implications for South Asia

On 9th September 2013, BIPSS organized a day long International Conference on Afghanistan beyond 2014: Implications for South Asia, which took place in La Vita Hall of Hotel Lake Shore in Gulshan, Dhaka. The main goal of the conference was to analyze the situation in Afghanistan beyond 2014, and the affect it will have on the South Asian security and stability. After a decade in 2014, the International Security Assistance Force will entrust its responsibility to Afghan National Security Forces. The shift in responsibility will influence the national and transnational security and stability, and it may affect Bangladesh.

Scholars and Experts from India, Pakistan, UK and US have presented in the conference. The conference was inaugurated by the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Robert W Gibson CMG. In his speech Mr. Gibson said, “ …Bangladesh has been an important development partner and active contributor to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, so it is fitting that today’s conference on such an important issue is taking place in Dhaka….It is important that Afghanistan and the international community continue to work towards an inclusive political settlement, improve governance, strengthen democracy, and uphold human rights and women’s rights in Afghanistan.” BIPSS president in his welcoming spec said, “ The withdrawal of NATO troops will not only impact Afghanistan, it has significant implications fir the South Asian region in terms of security issues particularly, transnational security threats- such as terrorism, narcotics trafficking and small arms proliferation.”