“Bangladesh is advancing on a renewed path 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,” said State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Shama Obaed Islam MP at the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa on Monday.
She was speaking at a High-Level Panel moderated by Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang, said a press release.
Expressing gratitude to Senegal for being the first African nation to recognize Bangladesh as an independent state, the State Minister underscored the enduring strength of bilateral relations. She recalled the landmark visit of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to Senegal in March 1981, which played a pivotal role in further consolidating ties between the two countries.
The State Minister highlighted the BNP led Government’s commitment to advancing economic, digital, human and social security aimed at improving people’s livelihoods and overall well-being. She emphasized the role of young people as powerful agents of positive change in society. She also outlined the Government’s key initiatives such as the “Family Card” and “Farmer Card” programmes aimed at empowering citizens, particularly women, and strengthening national resilience.
Reiterating Bangladesh’s contribution to UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts, the State Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to global peace and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Referring to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s legacy in expanding girls’ access to education, she also emphasized the central role of women in sustaining peace and stability.
The State Minister highlighted the risks of digital misinformation and online harassment, particularly targeting women, and proposed the creation of a global platform to advance digital sovereignty through coordinated international action. The proposal received strong appreciation from participating delegations, including the Senegalese Foreign Minister.
The State Minister expressed Bangladesh’s readiness to share its experience in addressing the climate-security nexus. She further underlined Bangladesh’s humanitarian commitment in hosting over 1.3 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar, stressing the critical link between humanitarian responsibility, development and security.
She reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to multilateralism and sought support for the candidacy of Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as President of the 81st UN General Assembly.
On the sidelines, the State Minister held meetings with Japanese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Onishi Yohei and Portugal’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ana Isabel Xavier. The discussions covered expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, skills development, culture, sports and people-to-people exchanges. The State Minister called for enhanced collaboration in renewable energy, ICT, infrastructure and labour mobility. She also had brief interactions with the visiting Ministers of Oman, Chad and Switzerland.
Sadia Faizunnesa, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Morocco and Ambassador-designate to Senegal, accompanied the State Minister during the event and the bilateral meetings.
The two-day forum, inaugurated by Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, brought together Heads of State and Government, Ministers, senior officials, diplomats and civil society representatives from across Africa and beyond.
