Bangladesh Seeks Stronger UN Role in Rohingya Repatriation

Bangladesh has called for stronger and more proactive engagement from the United Nations to secure the swift, safe, and sustainable return of displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam made the appeal while addressing a UN Day celebration program organized in Dhaka on Saturday, noting that a truly effective international body is crucial for navigating global crises.

Highlighting Bangladesh's foreign policy priorities, the state minister reaffirmed the nation's unwavering commitment to the UN's core pillars of development, peace, security, and human rights. She specifically acknowledged the distinguished track record of Bangladeshi peacekeepers across global missions and noted Bangladesh's constructive role in promoting dialogue and consensus at the ongoing 81st UN General Assembly session.

Discussing the country's economic trajectory, Obaed underscored the nation's push toward fulfilling the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She emphasized that developing economies like Bangladesh, which are on the verge of graduating from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, require reliable international partnerships, affordable financing, technology transfer, and unhindered market access to sustain their growth.

The minister also placed significant importance on female empowerment and safeguarding women from violence and digital harassment. Commending the participation of Bangladeshi women in UN peacekeeping missions, she emphasized that platforms like the newly initiated 'Dhaka Dialogue' will further strengthen women's leadership in the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.