New York, Sep 25 (V7N)- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for a cooperative and peaceful global order centered on the United Nations, saying conflicts should be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy and mutual cooperation rather than confrontation.
He made the remarks on Thursday (September 24) while addressing the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Prime Minister said relations among states should be based on equality, fairness, mutual interests, respect and dignity. He said Bangladesh envisions a peaceful and humane global society where reason, diplomacy, education and humanity, rather than lethal weapons, drive change.
Tarique said Bangladesh considers the United Nations the focal point for building a cooperative international community that respects the independence and sovereignty of all nations. He also congratulated UNGA President Dr. Khalilur Rahman and assured him of Bangladesh’s full cooperation.
Addressing global conflicts and their economic consequences, the Prime Minister said wars and man-made conflicts have destabilized countries, displaced millions of people and created humanitarian crises. He noted that disruptions to energy supplies and rising inflation were also placing pressure on the global economy.
On Palestine, Tarique reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Turning to the Rohingya crisis, he said the only solution is the safe return of displaced Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar. He said Bangladesh has been sheltering more than 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas for more than nine years, placing significant pressure on the country’s resources, environment, security and local communities.
He called for firm and effective support from the United Nations and the international community for a lasting solution, while urging continued humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas until their repatriation.
The Prime Minister also outlined the government’s “Three-R” strategy—Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction—to rebuild Bangladesh after what he described as more than one and a half decades of fascist rule and exploitation. He said Bangladesh was now embarking on a path toward democracy.
Tarique said Bangladesh has an opportunity to harness its demographic dividend by transforming its working-age population into skilled human resources. He said the government has taken measures to create employment and establish Bangladesh as a manufacturing hub.
He added that the government has allocated $50 million in the current fiscal year to create opportunities for young entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators to implement startup initiatives.
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