Bangladesh’s pursuit for peace to continue: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today reiterated her government's firm conviction to global peace, justice and harmony

"On this International Day of Peace, on behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh, I would like to reiterate our firm conviction to global peace, justice, and harmony through upholding the values and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter," she said in a message marking the day.

The PM also pledged to continue Bangladesh's pursuit for realising Bangabandhu's dream towards building a peaceful, tolerant, pluralist, and inclusive society leaving no one behind.

Inspired by the defining words of Bangabandhu that "Peace is imperative for the survival of mankind" and guided by his foreign policy dictum "Friendship to all, malice to none," Bangladesh has relentlessly been contributing to international peace, the PM said.

"Our flagship resolution on the Culture of Peace at the UN is a testimony to our unflinching support to the cause of global peace," she said.

The PM said the country's peace-centric foreign policy has prompted it to emerge as one of the leaders in the UN Peacekeeping Operation.

"At the UN, we also pioneered the adoption of the landmark resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security by the Security Council."

Hasina said the day inspires humanity to spread compassion and kindness.

The UN General Assembly has declared this day to be devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing non-violence and cease-fire.

The Covid-19 pandemic has endangered the hard-earned achievements towards international peace, she said.

The PM said it is disheartening to see that millions of innocent people, including the Rohingyas, continue to be victims of protracted conflicts across the world.

"Their quest for peace remains unanswered and their basic human dignity trampled," the PM said, adding that worrying rise of hate speech, xenophobia, and intolerance are creating scope for unrest.

"There's a pressing need for 'Shaping Peace Together' as underscored by this year's theme."

The UN's 75th Anniversary provides an opportunity to commit to a partnership for a world free from fear and want.

PM UNVEILS COVER OF BOOK ON BANGABANDHU

The PM today unveiled the cover of a book titled "Sheikh Mujib: A Nation's Father", published by the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, at her official residence Gono Bhaban.

The book was published on the occasion of Bangabandhu's birth centenary.

Advisory Editor of the book and Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad and Editor of the book and former pro-vice chancellor of Dhaka University Dr Nasreen Ahmad were present on the occasion.