Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus emphasized the enduring spirit of SAARC as South Asian leaders, including India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, gathered to pay respects at the funeral of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Yunus urged for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which has been largely inactive since 2016, citing the need for collaboration among nearly two billion people in the region. His calls for revitalization come amidst long-standing tensions, particularly involving Pakistan’s use of terrorism, which has hindered the bloc’s activities. The recent gathering underscored the potential for renewed dialogue, reflecting a collective regional grief and a desire for cooperation.