State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has called for renewed global commitment to multilateralism, saying international cooperation is essential to addressing growing geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, humanitarian crises and widening inequalities.
“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 in a message marking United Nations Day on Saturday, reports UNB.
Reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to the United Nations Charter, international cooperation and a rules-based multilateral order, Kobir urged countries to restore trust, bridge divisions and work towards shared peace, justice and prosperity.
“We must renew our commitment to dialogue, peaceful settlement of disputes, sovereign equality and respect for international law,” he said.
Extending greetings to the United Nations and its member states, the state minister said United Nations Day highlighted the enduring relevance of the UN Charter and the need for collective action against shared global challenges.
Kobir said Bangladesh remained firmly committed to multilateralism under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, with the government determined to strengthen democratic governance, uphold human rights and the rule of law and promote accountable institutions.
He said the election of Bangladesh’s foreign minister as president of the 81st United Nations General Assembly reflected the government’s renewed emphasis on multilateral engagement.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s contribution to international peace and security, Kobir said the country’s engagement with the UN was rooted in action and solidarity.
“As one of the leading contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, our brave peacekeepers continue to serve in challenging environments around the world,” he said.
Bangladesh also remained committed to increasing women’s participation in peacekeeping and decision-making on peace and security, he added.
Turning to the Rohingya crisis, Kobir said Bangladesh continued to shelter more than 1.3 million Rohingyas forcibly displaced from Myanmar.
“We call for sustained international support for their early and sustainable return to Myanmar,” he said.
The state minister said Bangladesh’s partnership with the UN extended to sustainable development, disaster resilience, poverty reduction, gender equality and humanitarian action.
As the international community pursued the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, he stressed the need to ensure adequate finance, technology and capacity-building support for developing countries, least developed countries and climate-vulnerable nations.
Kobir also called for reforms to make the United Nations more representative, transparent and effective, including meaningful reform of the Security Council to reflect present-day realities.
“Let us work together to restore trust, bridge divisions and build a world where peace, justice and prosperity are shared by all,” he said.
