Bangladesh Reaffirms Commitment to UN Peacekeeping and Multilateral Cooperation
Published : 01:10, 17 May 2026
Bangladesh has reaffirmed its strong commitment to democratic governance, sustainable development, United Nations peacekeeping operations, and multilateral cooperation, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said during meetings with senior UN officials in New York.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday morning, the state minister also highlighted the priorities of Bangladesh’s newly elected government during her meeting on Thursday with UN Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Khaled Khiari at the United Nations headquarters.
During the meeting, Shama Obaed Islam emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions to restore public confidence, increasing transparency and accountability, improving public service delivery, and upholding human rights and the rule of law.
She also highlighted the government’s social protection initiatives, including the “Family Card” and “Farmer Card” programs aimed at reducing socio-economic vulnerabilities among low-income communities and farmers.
Referring to Bangladesh as one of the world’s leading contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, the state minister stressed the importance of sustaining peacekeeping operations despite the current financial challenges facing the United Nations.
She also called for greater participation of women and youth in post-conflict peacebuilding and security initiatives.
On the Rohingya crisis, Shama Obaed Islam reiterated that the safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar remains the only effective long-term solution to the crisis. She urged the international community to continue its engagement and support on the issue.
During the meeting, Khaled Khiari highly praised Bangladesh’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping missions, particularly the country’s role in promoting women’s participation in peace and security initiatives.
