Bangladesh has reiterated its commitment to democracy, global peace and inclusive development at the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam spoke at a high-level panel moderated by Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang, according to a foreign ministry press release issued on Monday.
She said Bangladesh, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is moving forward on a new democratic path aimed at building an equitable and prosperous state.
The state minister thanked Senegal for being the first African country to recognise Bangladesh’s independence and stressed the need to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Recalling the visit of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to Senegal in March 1981, she said the visit took relations to new heights.
She reaffirmed the BNP-led government’s commitment to strengthening economic, digital, humanitarian and social protection programmes to improve living standards and ensure overall welfare. She also highlighted the role of young people in driving positive change in society.
Referring to Bangladesh’s contributions to United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions, she called for collective international efforts to promote global peace and advance the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda.
She paid tribute to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia for her role in expanding women’s education and emphasised the importance of women’s participation in ensuring sustainable peace and stability.
Highlighting the challenges of digital misinformation and online harassment, particularly against women, she proposed the creation of a global platform to strengthen digital sovereignty through coordinated international action. The proposal received appreciation from participants.
The state minister also offered to share Bangladesh’s experience in tackling climate change impacts with vulnerable countries. She noted that sheltering forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar reflects Bangladesh’s commitment to humanitarian values.
On the sidelines of the forum, Shama Obaed held separate meetings with Japan’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Onishi Yohei and Portugal’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ana Isabel Xavier. They discussed ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment, technology, skills development, culture and sports.
She also expressed interest in boosting cooperation in renewable energy, ICT, labour markets and infrastructure development. She held brief exchanges with ministers from Oman, Chad and Switzerland.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Morocco and concurrently accredited envoy to Senegal Saida Faizunnesa accompanied the state minister at the forum.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye inaugurated the two-day conference, which brought together heads of state and government, ministers, senior officials, diplomats and civil society representatives from across Africa and beyond.
