Bangladesh has called for greater unity and solidarity among the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) member-states to ensure shared global prosperity. While speaking at the ministerial meeting of the NAM in Kampala, Uganda, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen referred to the statement of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the NAM Summit in Algiers in 1973 where Bangabandhu emphasised the principles of self-reliance and effective economic cooperation among the non-aligned countries which is still relevant after 50 years. First bilateral visit: Hasan Mahmud to visit Delhi on Feb 7, strengthening relations on agenda The two-day ministerial meeting on NAM ended on January 18 after finalizing the outcome document, Kampala Declaration and declaration on Palestine which are expected to be adopted in the 19th NAM Summit scheduled to be held on January 19-20.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) should make a concrete initiative to achieve a lasting solution to the Palestinian crisis. The Foreign Minister was addressing an extraordinary meeting of the NAM Committee on Palestine held on Tuesday. Recalling the unflinching support expressed by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for the just struggle of the Palestinian people, Dr Momen reiterated Bangladesh’s solidarity and continued commitment in support of the inalienable rights of the Palestinians to self-determination, independence, statehood and sovereignty. He expressed deep concern over the recent violation of ceasefire and indiscriminate attacks carried out by the Israeli forces on innocent Palestinians. “Failure of the international community to resolve the Palestinian crisis has led to a protracted situation in the Middle East.” Also read: Bangladesh always with Palestinians, reaffirms PM Dr Momen called for immediate action to hold Israel accountable for its flagrant violations of international laws, norms and principles. “NAM’s support to the ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court is of utmost importance,” he added. The Foreign Minister called upon NAM to redouble its efforts for a just, durable and peaceful solution of this long-lingering crisis. Also read: Palestinians, settlers clash in tense Jerusalem neighborhood He also urged it to ensure adequate assistance for meeting the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinians, including their need for Covid-19 vaccines. Dr Momen participated in the ministerial meeting of the NAM Committee on Palestine convened on Tuesday. The Foreign Minister of Palestine, Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Algeria, Cuba, Egypt, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Malaysia were, among others, attended the event.

Bangladesh on Monday urged the members of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to work out innovative solutions and approaches to tackle the COVID-19 crisis underscoring the pandemic's adverse effect on two major sectors of Bangladesh's economy -- readymade garments (RMG) and remittance inflow.