PM calls for sustainable Rohingya solution, climate justice and stronger international cooperation
New York , 24 Sept - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday delivered Bangladesh’s national statement in Bangla at the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations Headquarters in New York at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The Prime Minister began his speech by paying deep tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and recalling those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for democracy, justice and people’s rights since independence.
He also paid tribute to those killed and injured in the mass uprising of students and people against fascism in July-August 2024.
Recalling Bangladesh’s representation at the UN, Tarique Rahman said his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the declarer of Bangladesh’s independence, and his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, had addressed the world body from the same platform, speaking for the country and its people.
He said he too stood before the world community to uphold the interests of the people of Bangladesh and express the country’s aspiration for a peaceful world.
The Prime Minister placed Bangladesh’s positions on global peace and international security, multilateralism, the Rohingya crisis, climate justice and climate finance, as well as the country’s democratic journey and priorities relating to women, education, healthcare, technology, artificial intelligence and young people.
On the Rohingya crisis, he said Bangladesh had been providing humanitarian shelter to a large number of forcibly displaced citizens of Myanmar for years.
He called for effective and coordinated international efforts for a sustainable solution to the crisis and sought continued international support for the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas.
On climate change, the Prime Minister stressed the need for climate justice and adequate finance, technology and capacity-building support for climate-vulnerable countries.
On Bangladesh’s future development, he highlighted the government’s focus on people’s welfare, human resource development, women’s empowerment, youth skills and employment, and technology-driven inclusive growth.
Under the commitment “Bangladesh first: Bangladesh for all”, he said the government was working to build a Bangladesh where young people could pursue their dreams without fear or hindrance, women could live with confidence and every child could have the opportunity to develop their full potential.
He said the ultimate goal was to ensure a safe and peaceful life for all citizens.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for the principles and values of the United Nations and its commitment to promoting world peace, strengthening international cooperation and building a just, peaceful and prosperous world.