PM seeks decisive UN role to resolve Rohingya crisis, other global challenges

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the United Nations (UN) to play a more decisive and robust role in resolving existing global challenges, including the Rohingya crisis.

"There are still areas where the UN can play a more decisive and robust role in resolving many of today's intractable challenges such as the Rohingya Crisis," the premier said in a message issued today on the occasion of the UN's 75th founding anniversary.

"As we agreed in the declaration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, our challenges today are interconnected and can only be addressed through reinvigorated multilateralism. Only together can we build resilience against future pandemics and other global challenges," she added.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh joins the international community in reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the principles and objectives enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

She said this year also holds a special significance for Bangladesh as the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is being celebrated.

In his maiden speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, 1974, Bangabandhu made an unequivocal commitment to global peace; emphasised solidarity among nations; championed multilateralism and called for the promotion of human rights, justice and the rule of law nationally and globally.

Bangladesh has been an active, contributing and responsible member of the United Nations, Sheikh Hasina said adding that in the endeavor to maintain global peace and security, the country has emerged as one of the leaders in the UN Peacekeeping Missions by adhering to its long-standing 'Culture of Peace'.

"Our economic performance for the last 11 years has been stellar. We are right on track to become a middle-income country by 2021, a developed country by 2041, and a prosperous Delta by 2100," she said.

Noting that the world today is different from what it was 75 years ago when the UN was founded, the premier said: "In this ever-evolving world of more challenges and opportunities, we expect the UN to remain the most trusted partner to all nations."

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh remains committed to working together with the United Nations and international community in responding to all shared challenges to create a peaceful, sustainable, inclusive and just world.