At the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam highlighted the country’s top goals, reiterating Bangladesh’s commitment to democracy, world peace, and inclusive development.
According to a press release from the foreign ministry here this morning, the state minister stated that Bangladesh, under the direction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is moving forward on a new democratic trajectory aimed at creating an equitable and prosperous state while speaking at a high-level panel moderated by Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang.
She thanked Senegal for being the first African country to recognise Bangladesh as an independent state and stressed the need to further strengthen bilateral ties.
Recalling the visit of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to Senegal in March 1981, she said it elevated relations to new heights.
The state minister reaffirmed the BNP-led government’s commitment to strengthening economic, digital, humanitarian and social protection programmes to improve people’s living standards and ensure overall welfare. She also highlighted the role of youth in driving positive societal change.
Referring to Bangladesh’s contributions to UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts, she called for collective international action to advance global peace and the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda.
She paid tribute to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her role in expanding women’s education and emphasised women’s participation in ensuring sustainable peace and stability.
Highlighting the risks of digital misinformation and online harassment, particularly targeting women, the state minister proposed establishing a global platform to strengthen digital sovereignty through coordinated international efforts, which drew appreciation from participants.
She also suggested that vulnerable nations learn from Bangladesh’s experience in mitigating the effects of climate change, pointing out that the nation’s dedication to humanitarian ideals is demonstrated by its sheltering of Rohingyas who have been forcibly driven from Myanmar.
The state minister met separately with Portugal’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ana Isabel Xavier and Japan’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Onishi Yohei on the fringes of the forum to discuss ways to increase cooperation in trade, investment, technology, skills development, culture, and sports.
She also expressed interest in enhancing collaboration in renewable energy, ICT, labour markets and infrastructure development, and held brief exchanges with ministers from Oman, Chad and Switzerland.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Morocco and concurrently accredited envoy to Senegal Saida Faizunnesa accompanied the state minister at the forum.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye inaugurated the two-day conference, which brought together heads of state and government, ministers, senior officials, diplomats and civil society representatives from across Africa and beyond.
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