Dhaka, Oct. 3 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for deeper regional cooperation to unlock the economic potential of the Bay of Bengal, saying Bangladesh's strategic location could connect its ports, waterways and coastal economy with the wider world.

"The Bay of Bengal has been shaping our destiny for generations," he said at the opening of the three-day Bay of Bengal Conversation in Dhaka on Saturday.

"Because of Bangladesh's geographical and strategic location, our seaports, waterways and coastal economy can connect with the entire world. There is immense potential in shipping, fisheries, tourism, energy and regional supply chains. As a region, we must transform our shared geography into shared prosperity. And for that, we n...