United News of Bangladesh

Marking the United Nations Day, Bangladesh has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the UN Charter, international cooperation and a rules-based multilateral order. "Let us work together to restore trust, bridge divisions and build a world where peace, justice and prosperity are shared by all," said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir in a message on Saturday. Bangladesh continues to host more than 1.3 million Rohingyas forcibly displaced from Myanmar. "We call for sustained international support for their early and sustainable return to Myanmar," Kobir said. He extended warm greetings to the UN and its Member States on the occasion of United Nations Day. "United Nations Day reminds us of the enduring relevance of the UN Charter and the importance of collective action in addressing shared global challenges," Kobir said. At a time of growing geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, humanitarian crises and widening inequalities, multilateralism is not merely an option, it is an imperative, he said. "We must renew our commitment to dialogue, peaceful settlement of disputes, sovereign equality and respect for international law," Kobir said. The government of Bangladesh remains firmly committed to multilateralism. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh is determined to strengthen democratic governance, uphold human rights and the rule of law and promote accountable institutions," he said. Kobir said the election of Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister as President of the 81st UN General Assembly underscores the Government’s renewed impetus for multilateral engagement. Bangladesh’s contribution to the UN is rooted in action and solidarity. "As one of the leading contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, our brave peacekeepers continue to serve in challenging environments around the world," Kobir said. He said they remain committed to advancing women’s participation in peacekeeping and decision-making on peace and security. "Our partnership with the UN extends to sustainable development, disaster resilience, poverty reduction, gender equality and humanitarian action," Kobir said. As the international community pursues the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, he said they must ensure that developing countries, least developed countries and climate-vulnerable nations receive finance, technology and capacity-building support they need. "Bangladesh also supports a more representative, transparent and effective UN, including meaningful reform of the Security Council so that the Organization can respond to today’s realities and deliver for all;" he said.

France and Bangladesh share a common commitment to peace, multilateralism and the rules-based international order, French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet said on Monday, stressing the need for closer cooperation amid growing global instability and unilateralism. He made the remarks while delivering the keynote speech at at a lectures series titled “France and the World: Bangladesh in it” jointly organised by the Center for the Bay of Bengal Studies and Marana Foundation in partnership with the Department of Global Studies and Governance of Independent University, Bangladesh. Highlighting the long-standing historical ties between the two countries, the Ambassador said France has consistently supported Bangladesh on global platforms and considers the country a key partner in advancing peace and international cooperation. “The world is changing very fast and not necessarily for the better. What was true a year ago may not be true today,” he said, describing what he termed the ‘brutalisation’ of the global order marked by unilateralism, disregard for international law and growing conflict. The Ambassador praised Bangladesh’s significant contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, calling the country a vital actor in global peace and security. He said both nations remain firm supporters of the United Nations, multilateralism and international law, which he described as ‘the only viable framework for global stability.’ Referring to France’s foreign policy priorities, Séré-Charlet said Paris declared a feminist diplomacy a decade ago and places strong emphasis on gender equality. He commended the host university for maintaining near gender parity, calling it reflective of shared values. The Ambassador also expressed concern over violations of international law, citing Russia’s actions in Ukraine as a serious challenge to the rules-based order. He also warned about the growing use of hybrid warfare including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. “Disinformation has become a weapon. Democracies must work together to counter fake news and manipulation especially during elections,” he said. He said France is keen to deepen collaboration with Bangladesh in climate action, biodiversity conservation, maritime security and Indo-Pacific cooperation. He also reaffirmed France’s support for the rights of Palestinians and a peaceful solution in the Middle East based on international law.