Bangladesh is stepping up efforts to strengthen its role in multilateral diplomacy, calling for a more effective United Nations to tackle mounting geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts and humanitarian crises, while pressing for stronger international support for developing countries and the sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and State Minister Humaiun Kobir made the call as the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman seeks to reinforce the country’s engagement with international institutions and safeguard its interests amid growing global uncertainty.
Speaking at a United Nations Day celebration organised by Zonta International, District 25, and Zonta Clubs of Bangladesh at Crowne Plaza Dhaka on Saturday, Shama said an effective UN and stronger international solidarity were essential to building a peaceful, prosperous and just world.
She reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to the UN’s three pillars – development, peace and security, and human rights – and highlighted the country’s longstanding contributions to peacekeeping and peacebuilding.
Bangladesh remains one of the leading contributors of personnel to UN peacekeeping operations, with its peacekeepers serving in challenging environments across the world.
The government has also emphasised the need to increase women’s participation in peacekeeping and decision-making on international peace and security.
Shama called for stronger action against gender-based violence and digital harassment, as well as efforts to remove barriers to equal opportunities.
She also highlighted the recently launched Dhaka Dialogue as an initiative to advance the UN’s Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Her remarks came as Bangladesh sought to strengthen its multilateral engagement during the ongoing 81st session of the UN General Assembly, presided over by Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman.
In its message marking United Nations Day, the government reiterated its commitment to the UN Charter, international law, the peaceful settlement of disputes and sovereign equality.
It described multilateralism as an imperative at a time of deepening international divisions.
The government also said the foreign minister’s election as president of the 81st UN General Assembly reflected Bangladesh’s renewed commitment to international cooperation and multilateral diplomacy.
On development, Shama stressed that predictable international support, affordable financing, technology transfer and continued market access were crucial for countries such as Bangladesh as they pursued their development goals and prepared to graduate from the least developed country (LDC) category.
Dhaka also called for adequate financial and technological assistance, alongside capacity-building support, for developing countries, LDCs and climate-vulnerable nations seeking to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Bangladesh has further advocated reform of the UN Security Council to make it more representative, transparent and effective in addressing contemporary global challenges.
The Rohingya crisis remains another key priority in the country’s engagement with the United Nations. Shama called for stronger UN involvement to facilitate the early and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees to their ancestral homes in Myanmar.
Bangladesh continues to host more than 1.2 million Rohingya forcibly displaced from Myanmar, placing a substantial humanitarian and economic burden on the country, particularly in its southeastern region.
Dhaka has repeatedly urged the international community to sustain its support for creating conditions for their voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation.
Extending greetings to the United Nations and its member states on United Nations Day, Humaiun Kobir underscored the importance of collective action in confronting global challenges.
“The government of Bangladesh remains committed to multilateralism. At a time of growing geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, humanitarian crises and widening inequalities, multilateralism is not merely an option, it is an imperative,” he said.
“We must renew our commitment to dialogue, peaceful settlement of disputes, sovereign equality and respect for international law,” he added.
“On the UN Day, Bangladesh reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the UN Charter, international cooperation and a rules-based multilateral order. Let us work together to restore a world where peace, justice and prosperity are shared by all,” he said.