Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Photo: Collected
Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh is committed to global peacekeeping and peace-building efforts. He said, “Bangladeshi peacekeepers have earned the trust of the people of the respective countries by working with professionalism, skill and dedication to establish peace, and we have gained the status of the country that sends the highest peacekeepers to the United Nations.”
The Hon’ble Prime Minister said these things in a message given yesterday on the occasion of ‘International UN Peacekeeper Day-2024’ today, Wednesday (May 29).
Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, “I am happy to know that ‘International UN Peacekeeper Day-2024’ is being celebrated in Bangladesh like other countries of the world. I think the theme of this day, ‘Fit for the Future: Building Better Together’ is very timely.”
Honorable Prime Minister said, ‘I proudly recall Bangladesh’s important role in UN peacekeeping operations and extend my best wishes and congratulations to all members of Bangladesh working in peacekeeping missions. Remembering with deep respect the sacrifice of peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives for world peace. I pray for their souls to rest in peace and express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.’
Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, “Bangladesh became a member of the United Nations on September 17, 1974, and the greatest Bengali of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in his historic speech at the United Nations General Session on September 25 of the same year, said, ‘Peace is absolutely necessary for the survival of mankind.’ In this peace, the deepest hopes and aspirations of all men and women around the world are embodied. Peace can never last if it is not founded on justice.’ In the General Session, he expressed strong commitment to Bangladesh’s continued support for peace in the world. Since then, Bangladesh has been maintaining good relations with all the peaceful and friendly countries of the world and has been actively participating in all the peacekeeping activities conducted under the United Nations to establish world peace. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib was awarded the ‘Julio-Curie Peace Medal’ on 23 May 1973 in recognition of his contribution to the cause of world peace and human rights.”
Honorable Prime Minister said, “Following the philosophy of the father of the nation, Bangladesh has established itself as a dedicated proponent of world peace. In 1997, we raised the Declaration and Program on a ‘Culture of Peace’ at the United Nations in the form of a resolution, which was unanimously adopted in 1999. Later, the United Nations declared the year 2000 as the ‘International Year of Culture of Peace’ and the period 2001-2010 as the ‘Decade of Culture of Peace and Non-Violence’. Bangladesh considers it essential to establish a ‘culture of peace’ to fully integrate the message of peace and implement Agenda 2030.’
Honorable Prime Minister said, “Our efforts in ensuring women’s rights and gender equality are contributing to the implementation of the ‘Women, Peace and Security Agenda’. The participation of our women in peacekeeping operations has further enhanced Bangladesh’s reputation.”
Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, ‘All efforts of the Awami League government will continue so that the peacekeepers of Bangladesh can respond to the call of the United Nations with more confidence. I hope that the peacekeeping members will establish Bangladesh as a strong peacekeeping country in the world by their heroic courage in peacekeeping operations; Will work tirelessly to prevent conflict, protect civilians, ensure human rights and establish peace and make the country’s image brighter and brighter.’
Hon’ble Prime Minister wishes all the programs undertaken on the occasion of ‘International UN Peacekeepers Day-2024’ success and wishes all peacekeepers success and well-being.