For any genuine and long-lasting peacebuilding, Russia and Ukraine must participate in deep diplomatic engagement and dialogue.
Bangladesh did not participate in a vote on a UN decision because this crucial factor was disregarded.
Bangladesh came up with this justification for not voting today, on Sunday.
The UN on Thursday approved a resolution asking for an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In accordance with the UN Charter, it demanded that Russian forces leave Ukraine and criticized Russia for attacking Ukraine.
At the emergency special session of the UN General Assembly, 141 nations voted in favor of the motion, while 32 nations, including Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, abstained. Russia was one of the seven nations that voted against it.
The next day, the Russian embassy in Dhaka praised Bangladesh for not casting a ballot.
Seheli Sabrin, spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), said, “Bangladesh thinks deep diplomatic engagement and dialogue among the parties involved in the conflict is a perquisite for a meaningful and sustainable solution. In our opinion, this important and realistic point has remained missing in the resolution and this is why we abstained from voting.”
The spokesperson in the written speech said Bangladesh is increasingly concerned about the situation in Ukraine.
“Death of civilians, worsening humanitarian situation in the conflict zone and the deterioration of socio-economic condition globally as a result of the war has made us concerned,” the MoFA said.
Bangladesh urged all to stop the conflict and reiterate its pledges towards safeguarding the principles and goals of the UN charter at any cost.
