State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has underscored Bangladesh’s renewed journey of democratic transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aimed at building a discrimination-free and prosperous nation anchored in stability, peace and security.

She participated in a high-level panel at “Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa” on April 20.

The panel was moderated by Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang and featured Yaou Sangaré Bakary, Foreign Minister of Niger, Mohamed Ali Nafti, Foreign Minister of Tunisia, Dr Morissanda Kouyaté, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea and Joao Cravinho, EU Special Representative for the Sahel region, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.

Shama Obaed thanks Algeria for cooperation in hydrocarbons sector     

The Senegalese capital Dakar is hosting the 10th International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa on Monday and Tuesday, an anniversary edition taking place against a backdrop of major geopolitical shifts across the continent and competition over the continent's resources.

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.

Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, global peace and inclusive development and 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 proposed sharing Bangladesh's experience in addressing climate change impacts with vulnerable countries and noted that sheltering forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar reflects the country's commitment to humanitarian values.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Morocco and concurrently accredited envoy to Senegal Saida Faizunnesa accompanied the State Minister at the forum.

The State Minister called on Morissanda Kouyaté, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, African Integration and Guineans Abroad of Guinea on the sidelines of the Forum on Tuesday.

Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in agriculture, particularly contract farming, as well as in trade and investment, including through business-to-business exchanges, an official told UNB.

They also identified mineral resources, garments and textiles and pharmaceuticals as promising areas for collaboration.