Bangladesh Reaffirms Commitment to Multilateralism and UN Reform, Humayun Kabir Seeks Support for Rohingya Repatriation

Bangladesh is firmly committed to multilateralism and supports meaningful reform of the United Nations to address global challenges, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir has said. He reaffirmed Bangladesh's position in a message issued on the occasion of United Nations Day.

In the message, he said the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is determined to strengthen democratic governance, uphold human rights and the rule of law, and build accountable institutions.

The state minister said the election of Bangladesh's foreign minister as president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly reflects the government's renewed commitment to active engagement in multilateral activities.

Humayun Kabir said Bangladesh favours a United Nations that is more representative, transparent and effective. Bangladesh supports necessary steps, including meaningful reform of the Security Council, to enable the world body to play an effective role in line with contemporary realities.

At a time of geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, humanitarian crises and growing inequality, multilateralism is not merely an option but an essential necessity, he said.

The state minister called for dialogue, peaceful settlement of disputes, sovereign equality of states and respect for international law. He said international relations should move forward on the basis of these principles.

Highlighting Bangladesh's contribution to world peace, the state minister said Bangladesh's partnership with the United Nations is founded on practical work and solidarity. As one of the top contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, Bangladeshi peacekeepers continue to serve in challenging environments around the world, he noted.

He also reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to advancing women's participation in peacekeeping operations and in decision-making on peace and security.

Humayun Kabir said Bangladesh's partnership with the United Nations extends across sustainable development, building capacity to tackle disasters, poverty alleviation, gender equality and humanitarian activities.

Noting that Bangladesh continues to shelter more than 1.2 million Rohingya forcibly displaced from Myanmar, he sought continued support from the international community to ensure their swift and sustainable repatriation.

He said that alongside the international community's efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is necessary to ensure financing, technology transfer and capacity-building support for developing countries, least developed countries and climate-vulnerable countries.

Extending sincere greetings to the United Nations and its member states, Humayun Kabir said UN Day reminds everyone of the enduring relevance of the UN Charter and the importance of collective action in facing shared global challenges. 'Let us work together to restore trust, bridge divides and build a world where peace, justice and prosperity are shared by all,' he said.