Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for stronger international cooperation on peace, democracy, development and regional cooperation while addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

 

Reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to multilateralism, disarmament and peaceful resolution of conflicts, PM Rahman said international disputes should be addressed through dialogue, diplomacy and mutual cooperation. He also reiterated Bangladesh’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and to establish an independent State of Palestine.

 

On the Rohingya crisis, the PM called for stronger international support for the safe and sustainable repatriation of more than 1.2 million Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh. He urged the United Nations and the international community to continue life-saving humanitarian assistance until their repatriation to Myanmar.

Addressing climate change, PM Rahman called for greater climate finance, adaptation support and climate justice. He highlighted Bangladesh’s programmes for tree plantation, clean and solar energy, water conservation, and excavation of canals.

 

The Prime Minister outlined his government’s three-R strategy-Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction-for rebuilding Bangladesh. He highlighted initiatives focused on employment generation, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, education, healthcare and social protection.

He also called for equitable access to artificial intelligence and advanced technologies for developing countries, along with technology transfer, skills development and capacity building.

 

Concluding his address, PM Rahman said Bangladesh seeks to build a prosperous, self-reliant and welfare-oriented democratic society where people can live with equal rights, respect and dignity.