Shama reaffirms commitment to peacekeeping and multilateralism at the UN

Shama Obaed Islam has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to democratic governance, sustainable development, UN peacekeeping and multilateral cooperation while outlining the priorities of the country’s newly elected government during talks with senior United Nations officials.

The commitment was made during a meeting with Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Thursday, according to a Foreign Ministry press release issued this morning.

During the meeting, the state minister highlighted the key priorities of the new government, including rebuilding public confidence, strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring greater transparency and accountability, improving public services, and upholding human rights and the rule of law.

She also pointed to the government’s social protection measures, such as the “Family Card” and “Farmers Card” programmes, designed to support low-income and farming communities facing socio-economic challenges.

Emphasising Bangladesh’s role as one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, Shama stressed the need to safeguard peacekeeping mandates despite the United Nations’ financial limitations. She also called for increased involvement of women and young people in post-conflict peacebuilding initiatives.

On the Rohingya crisis, she reiterated that the safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar remains the only durable solution, and urged continued international support and engagement on the issue.

Khiari praised Bangladesh’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping operations and lauded its efforts to promote women’s participation in peace and security initiatives.