Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (September 12, 2022) stressed the need for enhanced cooperation among member countries of International Association of Police Academies (INTERPA) to fight tech-based crimes and ensure global peace, stability and development. “Enhanced technology, expertise, intelligence sharing and coordination among law enforcement agencies of all these countries will go a long way in curbing violent extremism and transnational tech-based crimes around the globe. There are commonalities that bring us closer, and we must create a synergy in favour of enhanced cooperation for furthering global peace, stability, and development,” she said. The premier said this while inaugurating the 11th Annual INTERPA Conference on Digitalization of Policing in a Dhaka hotel through a virtual platform from her official residence Ganobhaban. Read: PM Hasina: Bangladesh is committed to keeping global peace She hoped that this conference would afford all the member countries an opportunity to reach a general consensus to explore an innovative, viable, prompt and effective mode of communication and cooperation among INTERPA member countries. Noting that the theme of this conference – ‘Digitalization of Policing’ – is a time-befitting one, Sheikh Hasina said violent extremism and transnational organized crime pose an enormous threat to national and international security in this age of globalization. In recent years, new development in technology and communications has enabled such crime networks to carry on their anti-human schemes with increased mobility, she said. Read: Get technological knowledge for the 4th industrial revolution, PM asks the youth She said the destructive activities of the terrorists result in far-reaching destabilizing impact on the whole world. The PM said new challenges are also being originated in the form of cybercrime, money laundering, counterfeiting of currency, terrorist financing and other modern-day threats. “Thus, policing around the world has become extremely challenging these days. In this present context, no single nation can address these on its own,” she said. “To address all these menaces, there is no alternative to consolidating cooperation among the countries of the world,” she said, adding that this unique conference of INTERPA comprising professionals from member police training institutions across continents would open up new avenues for cooperation in the arena of state-of-the-art training, capacity enhancement and sharing the best practices. Read FM for change of mindset to achieve lasting global peace “Digitalization of policing can be a great way forward to fighting terrorism, violent extremism and other tech-based crimes,” she continued. In this context, she mentioned that Bangladesh Police has proven its capacity and resilience in successfully combating terrorism and violent extremism. Hasina said institutionalizing a demand-driven and outcome-based platform to curb violent extremism and tech-based transnational crimes can ensure global peace and stability. “We believe, the collective will and joint efforts by INTERPA members can make a marked difference in the security landscape of the globe,” she added. Read Bangladesh reaffirms commitment to global peace Turning to the development of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said her government has achieved success in developing a happy and prosperous country in keeping with the aspiration of the people of Bangladesh. “We have earned desired progress in all social indices,” she said. “We have taken every measure to transform the country into a ‘Digital Bangladesh’ by making information technology accessible to all, including the marginal people, through efficient, service-oriented and ICT-friendly services,” said Hasina. Citing that Bangladesh Police plays a significant role in the onward march of our progress and development, she said, “There have been substantive qualitative changes in Police, thanks to the developmental activities of our government. We will push forward this pace of development of police in days to come.” Read US lauds Bangladesh’s role in UN peacekeeping Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Senior Secretary of Public Security Division Md. Akhter Hossain, INTERPA President Prof Dr Yilmaz Colak also spoke at the opening session, presided over by Inspector General of Bangladesh Police Dr Benazir Ahmed. Rector of Police Staff College Bangladesh Khandker Golam Faruq delivered the welcome speech.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (September 12, 2022) said any conflict or crisis affects every nation in the world as security dynamics in the current world are ever changing and getting complex day by day. “It significantly hampers the security and steady development of the states,” she said. The prime minister was speaking virtually at the opening ceremony of 46th Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS) - 2022 held at a city hotel here. The United States is the co-host of the 46th Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar-2022 along with Bangladesh Army and US Army Pacific Command involving 27 countries. Read: Get technological knowledge for the 4th industrial revolution, PM asks the youth She mentioned how the 1.2 million Rohingyas driven out from their homeland in Myanmar are affecting Bangladesh where they are sheltered now.    “Apart from their own miseries, their prolonged presence is causing serious impact on the economy, environment, security and socio-political stability of Bangladesh,” she said. The PM said that development, peace and security have become the main policy issues for almost all countries of the world.  “This important issue led the countries to stronger cooperation for sustainable development. It also paved the way for civil and military diplomatic channels of communication, dialogue and summits,” she said. Read: At a glance: Jointly agreed upon decisions during PM's India visit She said that IPAMS is a similar multinational platform that can create senses of friendship and warmth so that peace and stability prevail in the region. She said that the IPAMS has always played a significant role in maintaining friendship, peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.  “I think, interaction through this forum will enable to discuss issues of common interests for arriving at pragmatic multi-lateral solutions.” Hasina said that Army of any country is one of the key elements for ensuring sovereignty.  Read “No single nation can address evolving tech-based crimes on its own” “Born through the War of Liberation in 1971, Bangladesh Army has developed significantly over the time,” she said. Today, she said, Bangladesh is well known around the world for her great contribution in peace support operations.  She mentioned that Bangladesh Army is always ready to serve the country and for the world peace in UN missions and anywhere in the world. She said that it is the constitutional obligation that Bangladesh shall always assist to maintain global peace.  Read US lauds Bangladesh’s role in UN peacekeeping “Our military has been playing a major role in global peacekeeping operations under the UN. We intend to maintain it.” PM Hasina said that in the last 50 years of its independence Bangladesh underwent huge transformations in its socio-economic fronts.  The country is now recognized by the international community as a “development miracle” for its success, especially in poverty reduction, food and energy security, gender parity in primary and secondary school, reducing infant and maternal mortality rate, gender equality, she added. She said that as Bangladesh believes in the benefits of peace and has focused on the strength of the people, the economic and social progress have been possible. Read Bangladesh reaffirms commitment to global peace “We have always maintained a friendly relations with global and regional partners taking the strength from our foreign policy. This has allowed us to grow as a nation and gradually empowered us to claim our rightful position in the comity of nations,” the premier said. Sheikh Hasina said that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman dreamt of a developed and prosperous ‘Golden Bangladesh’.  She said her government has been working to materialise Bangabandhu’s dream by turning Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous country by 2041. Bangladesh Army chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed delivered the vote of thanks. Read Global peace turned more challenging amid pandemic: PM

The US Embassy in Dhaka has applauded Bangladesh for the sacrifices it has made in being one of the world’s top contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. "It’s an opportunity to honor the thousands of Bangladeshis, who have for more than 30 years,helped maintain global peace," said the Embassy in a message marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. Also read:PM: Peacekeepers brighten Bangladesh image abroad, ready to send more The US Embassy also shared a photo of Squadron Leader Nayma Haque who is one of Bangladesh’s first two female military helicopter pilots.  She also served in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in DR Congo. The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, 29 May, offers a chance to pay tribute to the uniformed and civilian personnel’s invaluable contribution to the work of the Organization and to honour nearly 4,200 peacekeepers who have lost their lives serving under the UN flag since 1948, including 135 last year. Also read:International Day of UN Peacekeepers on Sunday The theme for this year’s Day is "People. Peace. Progress. The Power of Partnerships.”

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s enduring commitment to global peace. “Our unwavering commitment to global peace is our greatest pledge at the Peacekeeping Ministerial,” he said while addressing the 2021 Seoul Peacekeeping Ministerial (UNPKM) hosted by South Korea.  Read: Dhaka Declaration: Democracy, good governance, rule of law critical for peace, stability Speaking at a session titled “Sustaining Peace” as a keynote speaker, the Foreign Minister reflected on the contributions made by Bangladesh peacekeepers in maintaining global peace and security.  “Our female peacekeepers have emerged as a symbol of hope and security for women and girls who suffer disproportionately during wars and conflicts,” the Foreign Minister added. He also highlighted Bangladesh’s leadership role in advancing a culture of peace and also in mainstreaming women in peace and security agenda through the adoption of the landmark resolution 1325.   The Foreign Minister underscored the need for ensuring a nationally owned and inclusive peace-building process for realizing peace-building and sustaining peace agenda in conflict-affected countries.  He emphasized programmatic funding for sustaining peace in peacekeeping missions.   Read:Let’s dream of a better world, FM Momen tells peace conference Welcoming Seoul initiative in technology and medical capacity building in peacekeeping, Dr. Momen highlighted that Covid-19 challenges reinforced the importance of medical capacity building in peacekeeping missions for the enhancement of the safety and security of the peacekeepers.  At the meeting, Bangladesh pledged, among others, to provide 02Aero medical evacuation team, air transportation unit, aviation security unit, 01 Francophone Formed Police Unit.  The two-day conference focused on solidifying global partnership for peace with concrete commitments by member states.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said ensuring global peace has become far more challenging than in the past due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other threats. “With the advent of invisible enemies like the coronavirus, the rapid spread of technology, and the advancement of time, new elements of threats have emerged,” she said. The Prime Minister was speaking at the closing ceremony of ‘Exercise Front Runner of Peace-2021’ from her official residence Ganobhaban. On the occasion of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Independence, a multinational exercise, organised by Bangladesh Army, was held at Bangabandhu Cantonment, Ghatail, Tangail from April 4-12. Also read:Maintain Covid precautions: PM Hasina Military members from India, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka along with their Bangladesh counterpart participated in the exercise. Currently, Sheikh Hasina said, peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping missions have to deal with multidimensional and complex situations. “So, the number of peacekeepers’ deaths has is rising at an alarming rate.” So far, she mentioned, 158 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have died and 237 injured.  “Time has come to equip peacekeepers with appropriate training and equipment to deal with the upcoming crises in UN peacekeeping operations.” Hasina said the recent incidents that happened in UN peacekeeping missions were presented in ‘Exercise Front Runner of Peace’ so that the future peacekeepers may be trained well in making appropriate decisions to deal with such situations. Also read:Curb food adulteration with an iron hand: PM Hasina The Prime Minister said properly trained armed forces are essential to safeguard the national integrity and sovereignty of any country. “Similarly, there’s no alternative to regular exercise in proving the capabilities of the military members.” Returning to power in 2009, she said, the Awami League government has formulated a long-term plan titled 'Forces Goal-2030', and it is being implemented with the aim of building a highly professional and trained military. In 2016, she said, the government has established ‘Bangladesh Peacebuilding Centre (BPC)’. In the last 12 years, it has made significant progress in modernising the three forces. “We’ve added sophisticated weapons and technology to our military. We’ve adopted a 'zero-tolerance policy' to eradicate terrorism and militancy,” she said.  So far, over 175,000 Bangladeshi peacekeepers, including 1,800 women ones, have participated in 54 missions in 40 countries of five continents while more than 7,000 Bangladeshi army and police personnel are currently deployed in 10 peacekeeping missions, the PM said.  “In every mission that our peacekeepers destined they have raised the flag of the United Nations high as well as brightened Bangladesh’s image. That’s why Bangladesh has become one of the highest peacekeeper-providing countries in the world today,” she said. Talking about the socioeconomic development, the Prime Minister said even during the pandemic when the world economy got stalled, the government has tried to keep Bangladesh economy moving, enabling the country to achieve 5.4 percent GDP growth. “By the time we’ve been elevated to the developing nation status." Visiting Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane also spoke at the programme while Chief of Army Staff General Aziz Ahmed delivered the welcome and thanksgiving speeches. On behalf of the Prime Minister, the Army chief distributed certificates among the participants of the exercise.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has laid emphasis on changing mindset to achieve lasting peace and stability in the world.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday warned that the COVID-19 pandemic is expanding risks to peace everywhere.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said Bangladesh wants to see peace and stability across the world noting that around 1.22 crore Bangladeshi citizens live in various parts of the globe.