Bangladesh working to build discrimination-free society: State Minister in Senegal

Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaed Islam has said that Bangladesh is working towards building a discrimination-free and prosperous nation based on stability, peace, and security.

She made the remarks while addressing a high-level panel at the “Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa” held in Senegal’s capital Dakar on Monday (April 20), local time.

The state minister highlighted Bangladesh’s democratic transition and new political journey, stating that the government is committed to inclusive development under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

She underscored Bangladesh’s long-standing contribution to United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions, and stressed the need to strengthen international cooperation to ensure global peace as well as women’s safety and participation.

Referring to Bangladesh–Senegal relations, she thanked Senegal for being among the first African countries to recognise Bangladesh after independence. She also called for further strengthening bilateral ties, recalling former President Ziaur Rahman’s visit to Senegal in 1981, which she said elevated relations between the two countries.

On women’s empowerment, the minister acknowledged former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s contribution to advancing female education in Bangladesh, and emphasised the role of women in ensuring sustainable peace and stability.

She also raised concerns over digital misinformation and online harassment, particularly targeting women, and proposed the creation of a global platform to strengthen digital sovereignty through coordinated international efforts.

The state minister expressed Bangladesh’s willingness to share experiences with vulnerable countries in addressing climate change impacts. She also highlighted the country’s humanitarian role in sheltering Rohingya refugees displaced from Myanmar.

Reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy, she sought support for Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly session.

On the sidelines of the forum, she held separate meetings with Japan’s Vice Foreign Minister Yohei Onishi and Portugal’s State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ana Isabel Xavier, discussing cooperation in trade, investment, technology, skills development, culture, sports, and infrastructure. She also expressed interest in expanding collaboration in renewable energy, ICT, labour markets, and development projects.

She additionally held brief exchanges with representatives from Oman, Chad, and Switzerland.

The forum was inaugurated by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye and brought together heads of state, ministers, diplomats, and civil society representatives from Africa and around the world.

The panel discussion was moderated by Senegal’s Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang, with participation from foreign ministers of Niger, Tunisia, Guinea, and the European Union’s special representative.

The state minister is on a four-day official visit to Senegal and is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on April 24.