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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced plans to launch a ‘Universal Card’ in the future by integrating social protection programs. Concurrently, he urged the United Nations to formulate effective policies to ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media development are equally accessible to people in all countries worldwide.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during his address at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday (September 24) evening, local time.
In his speech, he highlighted Bangladesh’s stance on social protection, women’s economic empowerment, technological disparity, AI, the Rohingya crisis, and combating climate change.
The Prime Minister stated that the government aims to ensure economic democratization, not just electoral democracy. To achieve this, various social protection programs have been introduced to extend the benefits of economic growth and prosperity to every family and citizen.
He mentioned that the government considers the ‘Family Card,’ issued in the name of the female head of household, as a symbol of women’s economic empowerment. Additionally, various other cards such as Farmers Card, Sports Card, and e-Health Card have been introduced. There is a plan to integrate these cards into a single ‘Universal Card’ in the future.
Call for AI Policy
In his address, the Prime Minister also emphasized the advancement of science and technology. He stated that the world is entering a new era of Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, and science. However, technological opportunities are not yet equal for everyone.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s large youth population and growing digital capabilities, he stressed the need to make advanced technology, knowledge, and research opportunities accessible to all.
The Prime Minister asserted, “We do not want today’s digital divide to become tomorrow’s artificial intelligence divide.”
He emphasized the importance of technology transfer, skill development, and affordable access to modern technology for developing countries. Simultaneously, he called on the United Nations to adopt effective policies to ensure the rapid development of AI and social media can be utilized positively across countries.
Rohingya Crisis Solution Lies in Myanmar
Tarique Rahman also brought up the issue of hosting over 1.2 million forcefully displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar in Bangladesh.
He noted that hosting the Rohingyas for over nine years has created immense pressure on Bangladesh’s resources, environment, security, and local population.
The Prime Minister’s assertion was that the origin and source of the Rohingya crisis lie in Myanmar, and therefore, its solution is also inherent there. He identified the safe repatriation of the displaced Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar as the solution to the crisis.
He sought strong and effective support from the UN and the international community for a lasting solution, alongside continued life-saving assistance until the Rohingyas are repatriated.
Steps to Combat Climate Change
The Prime Minister also noted that Bangladesh is one of the countries most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change.
He stated that despite Bangladesh’s low contribution to global carbon emissions, it bears the brunt of its adverse effects. In this context, the Prime Minister expressed his expectation for more robust global action at COP-31 concerning climate justice, climate finance, and adaptation support.
He announced that a program to plant 25 crore (250 million) trees across Bangladesh has been launched for the next five years. Additionally, a program to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals nationwide has commenced to mitigate the effects of floods and droughts.