Bangladesh has been a major UN partner, according to Secretary General António Guterres, because of the nation’s “significant contributions” to a number of UN programs, such as peacekeeping, attaining sustainable development objectives, and climate adaption.
According to a news release from the foreign ministry, he gave the acknowledgment on Thursday afternoon during a meeting with Bangladesh’s foreign minister, Dr. Hasan Mahmud, who was visiting the UN headquarters in New York.
“We consider Bangladesh an important partner of the UN as the country has made significant contributions to various UN initiatives, including international peace and security, sustainable development, and combating climate change,” Guterres said.
The UN Secretary General conveyed worry about the current state of affairs in Myanmar’s Rakhine state during the meeting and expressed sincere gratitude for Bangladesh’s kindness to the Rohingyas.
He gave Bangladesh high marks for its ability to deal with and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
Assuring Foreign Minister Hasan of the UN’s full support, Guterres responded to his appeal for help in addressing the difficulties Bangladesh faces in making the transition from a low-income nation.
“Bangladesh deserves to be rewarded, not punished, for its progress,” said the US Secretary General.
Hasan expressed gratitude to the Secretary General for his leadership in addressing the difficult problems facing the globe, such as the continuing violence in Gaza, Palestine.
He said that in order to prevent conflict, the world’s peace-loving citizens valued the Secretary-General’s personal presence in Rafah.
The UN should continue to focus on the Rohingya issue globally, the Foreign Minister stressed, and make sure that the approximately 1.3 million forcibly displaced individuals receiving refuge in Bangladesh return home in a dignified, safe, and sustainable manner.
Additionally, he asked the UN to focus more of its efforts on resolving the crisis in Myanmar’s Rakhine state.
Guterres praised Bangladesh’s remarkable progress over the past decade.
Hasan highlighted that due to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visionary and skilled leadership, Bangladesh has surpassed Pakistan in all social, economic, and humanitarian indicators and has also outpaced India in several indicators in recent years.
He claimed that in 2021, Bangladesh’s per capita income exceeded India’s, based on IMF statistics.
To commemorate Bangladesh’s 50th anniversary of UN membership, Foreign Minister Hasan extended a warm invitation to Guterres to visit Bangladesh and expressed gratitude for the UN’s unwavering commitment and development assistance over the last 50 years.
According to the announcement, members of the Foreign Minister’s team, mission officials, and Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN, also attended the meeting.
