Shama Obaed meets UN Assistant Secretary-General in New York

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s firm commitment to democratic governance, sustainable development, peacebuilding and multilateral cooperation during a meeting with a senior United Nations official in New York.

She made the remarks during a meeting with Khaled Khiari, assistant secretary-general for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific at the UN Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday (May 15).

During the meeting, the state minister highlighted the priorities of Bangladesh’s newly elected government, including restoring public trust, enhancing institutional credibility and effectiveness, ensuring transparency and accountability, improving public services and upholding human rights and the rule of law.

She also mentioned that the government is implementing various initiatives, including the “Family Card” and “Farmers Card” programmes, to address socio-economic vulnerabilities among disadvantaged communities.

Referring to Bangladesh’s contribution to UN peacekeeping missions, Shama Obaed stressed the importance of maintaining peacekeeping mandates despite the ongoing liquidity crisis and underscored the need to increase the participation of women and youth in post-conflict situations.

On the Rohingya crisis, she said the only sustainable long-term solution is the repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar, and sought continued support from the international community until their safe return is ensured.

Khaled Khiari highly praised Bangladesh’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping operations and its role in promoting women’s participation in peace and security initiatives.