Bangladesh faces slim odds of joining ASEAN under geographic rule

Bangladesh has little chance of joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations under the bloc’s current charter, its secretary-general said, citing geographical membership requirements.

Secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn said Timor-Leste would be the final country admitted to the regional group.

“We have come to an end to the enlargement,” Kao told the 10th ASEAN Media Forum in Manila.

The charter requires applicants to be located within the recognized geographical region of Southeast Asia. Bangladesh is in South Asia, while another interested country, Papua New Guinea, is part of Oceania.

“Papua New Guinea and Bangladesh are outside the geographical zone,” Kao said.

Kao said either country could join only if member states unanimously amended the charter and redefined the bloc’s geographical boundaries.

Bangladesh has sought closer relations with ASEAN and asked Malaysia for support last year. Its immediate objective is to secure sectoral dialogue partner status.