UNGA
UNGA lauds Bangladesh’s leadership in promoting culture of peace
President of the 76th Session of the General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid has convened the General Assembly’s annual high-level Forum on Bangladesh’s flagship resolution on ‘Culture of Peace’.
The Forum gathered a large number of Member States, representatives of the United Nations and other intergovernmental entities and the civil society.
The theme for this year’s event held on Tuesday was “The Culture of Peace: Importance of justice, equality, and inclusion for advancing peacebuilding."
The inaugural session was addressed by, among others, the Assistant Secretary General of the Peacebuilding Support Office, the Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth, and the Rector of the University of Peace.
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The forum also featured plenary session for the member States and a panel discussion, which was chaired by Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury, and participated by expert speakers from the UN and civil society.
The speakers, both at the plenary and at the panel discussion, lauded Bangladesh’s leadership in promoting the notion of culture of peace for over two decades.
They also recognized the renewed importance of culture of peace in the context of current global challenges accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflicts, according to Bangladesh Mission in UN.
Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN, recalled Bangladesh’s historic role in mooting the notion and steering the General Assembly resolution on ‘Culture of Peace’.
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“From the very moment of our birth as a nation we have committed ourselves building of a world order, in which the aspiration of all men for peace and justice will be realized.
This very commitment guided us in 1999 to introduce the GA resolution on Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace and also shaped our enduring commitment to the cause of global peace”, the Ambassador said.
Ambassador Muhith also highlighted the continued relevance of culture of peace in advancing peacebuilding.
The current peacebuilding architecture of the UN offers a viable means for promotion of positive peace, said the envoy.
"It promises to prevent the outbreak, escalation, continuation and recurrence of conflicts and end hostilities by addressing their root causes. This requires efforts towards transforming attitudes, institutions and structures that lead to peaceful societies,” he added.
Citing abstention at UNGA vote on Ukraine, Lithuania withdraws vaccine donation to Dhaka
Lithuania has cancelled its decision to donate COVID-19 vaccines to Bangladesh, the country's public broadcaster – Lithuanian Radio and Television (LRT) reported Monday.
The decision came after the country abstained during the United Nations General Assembly vote on condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, LRT reported quoting Rasa Jakilaitiene, a spokeswoman for the Lithuanian prime minister.
Earlier on March 2, the Lithuanian government announced that they will provide up to 444,600 doses of vaccine (manufactured by Pfizer) as “humanitarian assistance” to Bangladesh.
Lithuania has already donated vaccine doses to Ukraine, Latvia, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Tajikistan, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
On Sunday, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said that Bangladesh abstained from the UN General Assembly vote on a resolution over the Ukraine crisis "for the sake of peace".
“We voted for peace,” he said, although Bangladesh actually abstained, neither voting for or against the resolution. In the government's assessment, the final text of the resolution was tilted towards blaming one side (Russia), rather than stopping the war, hence they could not support it.
Four South Asian countries - Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan - were among 35 abstentions as the UN General Assembly voted at an emergency session Wednesday on the Ukraine issue. The vote on the “Aggression against Ukraine” resolution however did cross the two-thirds threshold for adoption, with 141 countries having voted in favour of it. There were 5 voters against, by Moscow and its staunchest allies.
The abstentions included China, as expected, but also some surprises from usual Russian allies Cuba and Nicaragua.
UNGA confirmation of Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC is a landmark success: Kamal
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a historic resolution to graduate Bangladesh from the LDC category to a developing country, a move hailed by Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal as a “landmark success.”
The UNGA confirmation has come during the 40th plenary meeting of its 76th session where the Economic and Social Council or ECOSOC placed the recommendation for Bangladesh’s graduation.
Read: People’s interest in paying tax is growing in Bangladesh: Finance Minister
“This is recognition of the incredible socioeconomic progress that has been attained under the prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over the years”, he said in his reaction on Thursday.
Kamal also mentioned that this success has been achieved thanks to the nation’s efforts at fulfilling the dream of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“This is an international recognition of the indomitable progress made by Bangladesh under the direction of the prime minister. People from all walks of life of this country have contributed to this historic success”, Kamal added.
Earlier, the Committee for Development Policy (CDP) of the United Nations recommended Bangladesh for LDC Graduation during its triennial review meeting held on 26th February this year.
CDP also recommended providing an extended preparatory period of five years for Bangladesh spanning from the year 2021 to 2026. The recommendation had been duly endorsed by the ECOSOC of the United Nations on 08 June 2021.
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It is notable that Bangladesh is the only country that has been recommended for LDC graduation by fulfilling all three criteria set by the United Nations. This achievement will further brighten the overseas image of the country and will accelerate the ongoing development pace.
Bangladesh has been recommended for graduation at a time when the whole country is celebrating 50 years of its independence as well as the birth centennial of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
As per the rules of CDP, a country can enjoy three to five years long preparatory period after being recommended for graduation.
Since, Bangladesh has received a five-year preparatory period for graduation as per the recommendations of CDP, the country will formally graduate from the LDC status in 2026.
During this preparatory period, Bangladesh would be entitled to enjoy all the international support measures reserved for LDCs.
In addition, as per the existing provisions, the country would also remain eligible to enjoy duty-free and quota-free access in the European Union market for three more years lasting until the year 2029.
With a view to continue the international support measures received as an LDC in the aftermath of graduation as well as to ensure a smooth and sustainable graduation-- the government is taking various policy measures under the leadership of the Prime Minister’s Office, in partnership with private sector and development partners.
UNGA adopts historic resolution on graduation of Bangladesh from LDC category
UN General Assembly (UNGA) has unanimously adopted the historic resolution on the graduation of Bangladesh from the LDC category, recognizing the country’s remarkable development journey.
With the adoption of this resolution, Bangladesh completes all the procedures to graduate from the LDC category.
This is a landmark achievement in Bangladesh’s development journey, which coincides with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence and the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Read: PM briefs President Hamid about her UNGA visit
"What better way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our independence and birth centenary of Bangabandhu! Fulfillment of national aspiration and Prime Minister's vision 2021," Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Rabab Fatima tweeted on Wednesday.
Speaking after the adoption of this landmark resolution, she thanked all the Member States, especially the development partners, for their support to reach consensus for the adoption of this resolution.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina envisioned transforming Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed country by 2041. She has led us from the front in this exciting journey despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic," said the Ambassador.
UN shouldn’t be mouthpiece for a few: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said the United Nations should be a voice of all the countries, not just the mouthpiece of a few countries.
“There’s a need for a change in this situation,” he said while addressing a discussion at Jatiya Press Club marking the UN Day.
He said Bangladesh will be the candidate for UNGA President in 2026 and insisted that the next UN General Secretary, if it is from Asia, should be from Bangladesh.
Dr Momen said it is regrettable that there is no significant number of Bangladeshis in the UN leadership positions. “Now, time has come for increasing our representation in the UN.”
The Foreign Minister appreciated the UN role in many areas saying there was no third World War because of the UN though it has failed to resolve problems in many countries.
Read: Bangladesh’s UNGA participation shows its stronger presence in multilateral forum: Officials
“We want peace in the world and the UN was established in search of peace. We recognize UN contributions,” he said.
Dr Momen said Bangladesh will host a world peace conference in December as peace is imperative for development.
PM returns from UNGA trip
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned home on Friday night from her journey to attend the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, USA.
A VVIP chartered flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Prime Minister and her entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:13pm, said PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim.
On Thursday afternoon (local time), she left Washington for home wrapping up her two-week official foreign tour. Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA M Shahidul Islam and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Rabab Fatima saw her off at Dulles International Airport there.
On her way to Dhaka, the aircraft reached Helsinki, the Finish capital at 9:00am (local time) and then departed the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport for Dhaka after a two-hour stopover there.
Read: PM opens Bangladesh House in Maryland, USA
On September 17, the Prime Minister left Dhaka to attend the 76th UNGA in New York. She reached New York on September 19 after a two-day stopover in Finland.
During her stay in New York from September 19 to 24, Sheikh Hasina addressed the UNGA general debate (September 24), attended high-level events and bilateral talks with heads of governments, states and organisations.
She also planted a honey locust tree and unveiled a bench at the UN gardens dedicating these to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of his birth centenary.
Later, the Prime Minister went to Washington DC on September 25.
During her stay in Washington, Sheikh Hasina opened the newly constructed ‘Bangladesh House’ and planted a fringe tree on its premises.
Hasina leaves Washington for home
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Washington for home on Friday night wrapping up her two-week official tour to attend the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
A VVIP chartered flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying Sheikh Hasina and her entourage took off Dulles International Airport, Washington for Dhaka at 05:28pm (Washington time), PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim told UNB.
He said that Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA M Shahidul Islam and Permanent Representative to the UN Rabab Fatima saw the PM off at the airport.
Also read: PM opens Bangladesh House in Maryland, USA
The aircraft carrying the Prime Minister will reach Helsinki-Vantaa Airport on Friday morning (local time) and then the flight will depart the airport for Dhaka after a two-hour stopover there.
The aircraft is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:15 pm on Friday (local time).
On September 17, the Prime Minister left Dhaka to attend the 76th UNGA. She reached New York on September 19 after a two-day stopover in Finland.
During her stay in New York from September 19 to 24, Sheikh Hasina addressed the UNGA general debate (September 24), attended high-level events and bilateral talks with heads of governments, states and organisations.
Also read: 'Thank You, PM', says Bangladesh
She also planted a honey locust tree and unveiled a bench at the UN gardens dedicating these to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of his birth centenary.
Later, the Prime Minister went to Washington DC on September 25.
During her stay in Washington, Sheikh Hasina opened the newly constructed ‘Bangladesh House’ and planted a fringe tree on its premise.
PM to return home from USA Friday
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will return home on Friday night wrapping up her two-week official tour to attend the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
She is scheduled to leave Washington DC Thursday afternoon (local time) by a VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airline for Helsinki, the Finish capital, PM’s Assistant Press Secretary MM Emrul Kayas told UNB.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA M Shahidul Islam and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Rabab Fatima will see off her at the airport in Washington.
The aircraft carrying the Prime Minister will reach Helsinki-Vantaa Airport on Friday morning (local time) and then the flight will depart the airport for Dhaka after a two-hour stopover there.
Read: Bangladesh’s UNGA participation shows its stronger presence in multilateral forum: Officials
The aircraft is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:15 pm on Friday.
On September 17, the Prime Minister left Dhaka to attend the 76th UNGA. She reached New York on September 19 after a two-day stopover in Finland.
During her stay in New York from September 19 to 24, Sheikh Hasina addressed the UNGA general debate (September 24), attended high-level events and bilateral talks with heads of governments, states and organisations.
She also planted a honey locust tree and unveiled a bench at the UN gardens dedicating these to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of his birth centenary.
Read: PM opens Bangladesh House in Maryland, USA
Later, the Prime Minister went to Washington DC on September 25.
During her stay in Washington, Sheikh Hasina opened the newly constructed ‘Bangladesh House’ and planted a fringe tree on its premise.
Bangladesh’s UNGA participation shows its stronger presence in multilateral forum: Officials
Bangladesh has once again demonstrated its “stronger and diversified” presence in multilateral forum through in-person participation during the 76th UN General Assembly (UNGA), officials said.
“Bangladesh’s participation at the UNGA led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has further elevated the country’s stronger and vibrant presence in multilateral forum,” said a senior official.
UN General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid closed the UN High-Level session, crediting “sound mitigation measures” and high vaccination rates for its success.
Earlier, the UNGA President invited Bangladesh's Permanent Representative (PR) to the United Nations Ambassador Rabab Fatima to chair part of the general debate of the UN General Assembly’s 76th session.
PM opens Bangladesh House in Maryland, USA
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is now in Washington DC, inaugurated the newly constructed "Bangladesh House" at Maryland in the USA.
She opened the house at 4:30pm on Wednesday (local time), said PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim.
Read: PM urges expats to invest in Bangladesh
The Prime Minister earlier planted a fringe tree on the premise of the house.