Dhaka, Nov. 20 -- Bangladesh on Thursday pledged its readiness to work hand in hand to ensure a "stable, secure, peaceful and prosperous" Indian Ocean region and to confront the common challenges, stressing that they do not afford to allow any exogenous or indigenous forces.

"We do not afford to allow any exogenous or indigenous forces to challenge the security and well-being of our community and any part thereof," said National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Khalilur Rahman while delivering the country statement at the 7th meeting of the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) in New Delhi.

Dr Rahman said they continue to stand ready to find common grounds to address common issues based on mutual trust and o...