Prime Minister’s Finance and Planning Adviser Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir has called for stronger cooperation from UN Women to protect and empower women and girls in Bangladesh amid the growing challenges posed by global conflicts, economic instability, energy insecurity and supply chain disruptions.
During a meeting with UN Assistant Secretary-General and UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda in New York, he said Bangladesh continues to host more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees on humanitarian grounds placing significant economic, environmental and security pressures on the country.
Titumir called for greater UN Women engagement to support the early repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar and to help ensure that, upon their return, women and girls can live in safety and dignity, enjoy their rights and access sustainable livelihood opportunities.
He noted that the multidimensional impacts of the ongoing global crises have significantly constrained Bangladesh's fiscal space, while stricter lending conditions imposed by international financial institutions have limited access to grants and concessional financing.
The adviser underscored the need for expanded UN Women support to strengthen the protection and empowerment of women and girls and reinforce inclusive social protection programmes.
Highlighting the government's women-centred development agenda under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he outlined key initiatives, including the Family Card issued in the name of the female head of household, free education for girls up to the postgraduate level, expanded reproductive and mental health services and the planned universal life-cycle-based social protection system.
ASG Gumbonzvanda commended Bangladesh's progress in advancing gender equality and described the Family Card initiative as an innovative women-centred social protection programme.
Recalling her visit to Cox's Bazar, she praised Bangladesh's humanitarian commitment and reaffirmed UN Women's continued partnership in promoting gender equality, women's economic empowerment, social protection, the Women,
Peace and Security agenda and efforts to address the Rohingya crisis.