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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman delivered a speech in Bengali on behalf of Bangladesh at the General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, USA, on Thursday afternoon local time. The full text of his speech is presented below:
‘Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim (In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)
Mr. President,
I congratulate you on your election as President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. We pledge our full support to you during your tenure as President. At the same time, I thank the outgoing President, Madam Annalena Baerbock, for her able leadership.
To begin, I pay deep tribute to all the martyred freedom fighters of Bangladesh. I humbly recall the contributions of those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle to establish democracy, justice, and human rights in the country since independence. I also extend my heartfelt respects to all the martyrs and injured individuals of the heroic student-people’s mass uprising against fascism in July-August 2024.
Following more than a decade and a half of movements and struggles against fascist rule and exploitation, Bangladesh is now free from fascism.
In the fair, free, and impartial national elections held on February 12 this year, the people of Bangladesh entrusted the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) with the responsibility of governing the state. I congratulate the democracy-loving people of the country. We believe that the people are the source of all our political power.
Mr. President,
Standing on this global stage of the United Nations today, I am somewhat nostalgic. It was on this very stage that my father, the Proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, and my mother, the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, delivered speeches on behalf of the country and its people. Similarly, today I stand here for the interests of my country and its people, and with the aspiration for a peaceful global society.
In this era of globalization, whatever happens in any corner of the world, it has more or less a negative impact on every nation. Existing human-made conflicts have created unrest in many countries, displacing large populations and giving rise to humanitarian crises. The global economy is under severe pressure due to wars and conflicts. Energy security crises, disruptions in the global energy supply system, and escalating inflation are leading to a deterioration of economic conditions.
We believe that any conflict should be resolved through dialogue, diplomatic processes, and mutual cooperation.
Equality, fairness, protection of mutual interests, and respect for dignity among conflicting nations should be the foundation of bilateral or multilateral relations. Our aspiration is a peaceful world, a humane global society, where logic, diplomacy, education, and humanity become tools for change, rather than weapons. Bangladesh views the United Nations as the focal point for establishing a consensual global society that respects each other’s independence and sovereignty.
The tendency in various countries to divert development budgets to military spending is an impediment to global peace. As a peace-loving nation, Bangladesh is committed to the goals of complete and general disarmament, prevention of nuclear proliferation, and arms control. Today, I reiterate Bangladesh’s support for any UN initiative aimed at establishing global humanity and peace. The democracy-loving people of Bangladesh are concerned about the plight of the independence-seeking Palestinian people. Bangladesh reaffirms its unwavering support for their legitimate demands, including the right to self-determination and the right to establish an independent Palestinian state.
Mr. President,
In the ongoing global situation, the theme of the 81st session of the United Nations – ‘Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All’ – is highly relevant and timely. Bangladesh remains steadfast in its commitment to multilateralism in maintaining international peace and security. As Vice-Chair of the ‘Peacebuilding Commission,’ Bangladesh continues to serve as a strong voice for sustainable peace, conflict prevention, and inclusive peacebuilding. As members of UN peacekeeping missions, Bangladeshi peacekeepers are engaged in humanitarian service in various countries around the world.
The courageous participation of Bangladeshi women in peacekeeping missions, even in adverse circumstances, reflects Bangladesh’s firm commitment to advancing the ‘Women, Peace and Security’ agenda. This year, Bangladesh is observing the 40th anniversary of the ‘Declaration on the Right to Development’ and the 25th anniversary of the ‘Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.’
Migration is as ancient as human civilization. In many countries around the world, migrants make significant contributions to the economies of both their homeland and their host countries. The Government of Bangladesh is committed to ensuring regular, safe, and orderly migration.
Bangladesh hopes for stronger global cooperation in ensuring the rights, dignity, and welfare of migrants.
Mr. President,
Bangladesh has been hosting over 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar for more than nine years. This has placed immense pressure on our resources, environment, security, and local communities. Densely populated Bangladesh believes that the source and origin of the Rohingya crisis lie in Myanmar; therefore, the solution also lies there. The safe return of the displaced Rohingya population to their homeland in Myanmar is the only solution to this problem.
Bangladesh expects strong and effective support from the United Nations and the international community for a lasting solution to this crisis.
Furthermore, I call upon the United Nations and the international community to continue life-saving assistance programs for the displaced Rohingya population until their return to their home country, Myanmar. If the international community fails to ensure justice for the displaced Rohingya population, this could turn into a severe humanitarian crisis in the near future.
Mr. President,
Bangladesh is one of the countries most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change. Although Bangladesh has a minimal role in global carbon emissions, it bears the adverse effects of climate change. In this situation, Bangladesh has chosen the path of building resilience to cope with the risks. Therefore, Bangladesh expects stronger global action at COP-31 regarding climate justice, climate finance, and adaptation support.
The government has intensified programs for environmental protection in Bangladesh. As part of this, the government has initiated a program to plant 250 million trees nationwide over the next five years. Emphasis has been placed on the use of clean energy and solar energy. To free the country from the scourge of floods and droughts, a program to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals across the country has been launched.
Work has also begun on implementing the Teesta Master Plan and the ‘Padma Barrage’ project in Bangladesh to increase freshwater flow in the world’s largest mangrove forest, the ‘Sundarbans,’ and to conserve water through large reservoirs. Simultaneously, while strengthening internal measures for water conservation and pollution prevention, the government has reiterated its commitment to cooperation in transboundary water management by signing the 1992 ‘Water Convention.’
Mr. President,
After ending more than a decade and a half of fascist rule and exploitation, Bangladesh became free from fascism in 2024. Freed from the curses of forced disappearances, killings, abductions, corruption, looting, and money laundering, which had become common during the fascist regime, Bangladesh is now embarking on its journey back to democracy. To repair the scars left by fascist rule and exploitation, the government is pursuing a 3-R strategy: Recovery, Restoration, and Reconstruction.
An immense door of opportunity is currently open for Bangladesh. Capitalizing on the demographic dividend, the government has launched extensive programs to transform the working-age population into skilled human resources. Detailed steps have been taken to create widespread employment and develop Bangladesh into a ‘manufacturing hub.’ Bangladesh seeks its development partners to stand by it in this endeavor. The government has allocated 50 million dollars in the current fiscal year to create opportunities for young entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators in the country to implement startup initiatives.
Mr. President,
More than half of the country’s population are women. Consequently, women are at the forefront of all government plans for the socio-economic transformation of the country. The government prioritizes women’s education, employment, and the creation of women entrepreneurs. To foster women entrepreneurs, especially in the micro, small, and medium enterprise sectors, the government has expanded cash financing opportunities for women. Free education opportunities have been made available for women up to the graduate level.
The government aims not only for electoral democracy but also to ensure the democratization of the economy so that the benefits of economic growth and prosperity reach every family and every citizen. To achieve this goal, the government has already launched assistance programs for economically disadvantaged people through various social protection initiatives such as Family Cards, Farmers Cards, Sports Cards, and E-Health Cards.
The government considers the ‘Family Card,’ issued in the name of the female head of each household, as a symbol of women’s economic empowerment.
The government also plans to introduce a ‘Universal Card’ by integrating the various cards introduced for assistance in each sector.
Mr. President,
The government is implementing the 31-point program promised to the people before the national elections on February 12 this year. At least 73% of the current government’s 31-point program directly aligns with, and 27% indirectly aligns with, the SDG theme of ‘Leave No One Behind,’ as declared by the United Nations.
The government hopes that the implementation of these programs will eliminate development disparities between urban and rural areas, and simultaneously advance accountability and inclusive sustainable development across all aspects of the 2030 Agenda. The Government of Bangladesh has given special importance to education, health, and sports. For the first time in the country’s history, the highest budget allocation has been made for the education sector this year.
There are plans to progressively increase the GDP allocation for education to 5 percent within the next five years. To ensure a moral and vocational education system, the curriculum has been developed with an emphasis on technical and practical education.
Primary school students from the first grade are being provided with bags and uniforms, along with free lunch. The government hopes that this will increase student enrollment and improve the quality of education in schools. To establish sports as a profession, ‘Sports’ has been included as a subject in the education curriculum for the first time. As part of this initiative, over 2 million students participated in a month-long nationwide football tournament for school students held last June.
Mr. President,
Science and technology will shape the future of the world. We are entering a new era of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and science. Technology is advancing rapidly, but its opportunities are not yet equal for everyone. Bangladesh’s large youth population and growing digital capabilities have created new possibilities for us. To harness this potential, advanced technology, knowledge, and research opportunities must be made accessible to all.
We do not want today’s digital divide to transform into tomorrow’s artificial intelligence divide. Bangladesh respects innovation and intellectual property. At the same time, it is crucial to ensure technology transfer, skill development, and affordable access to modern technology for developing countries.
No country should be left behind in this advancement of science. Bangladesh is ready to work together to build a fair and prosperous future for all. The adoption of an effective policy by the United Nations on how to positively leverage the benefits of the development and rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and social media in different countries is now a demand of the time.
Mr. President,
Bangladesh is awaiting graduation from the list of ‘Least Developed Countries.’ To make this graduation process sustainable for Bangladesh and all other countries, continuous support in areas such as assured financing, increased market access, technology transfer, and capacity building is essential.
In the current global system, every country is interdependent. Bangladesh believes that, especially at the regional level, we can help each other achieve prosperity through trade facilitation and expansion, effective communication systems, and meaningful cooperation.
The COVID-19 pandemic claimed the lives of millions worldwide. However, it sent a message to the world: for global society to survive, mutual assistance, empathy, and cooperation are indispensable. Ensuring the sustainable production of vaccines, medical supplies, and diagnostic tools in developing countries is crucial so that they are accessible to all.
Mr. President,
A state can never be strong by disempowering its citizens. By ensuring the political and economic empowerment of the people, we aim to establish a prosperous, self-reliant, welfare-oriented democratic state where everyone, regardless of party affiliation, religion, or race, can live securely, safely, and with equal rights, respect, and dignity.
Mr. President,
The trend of development continues in Bangladesh in all areas: democracy, human rights, good governance, accountability, political stability, and investment climate. The government is working to establish a safe and stable Bangladesh with a business and investment-friendly environment.
In today’s democratic Bangladesh, we welcome innovative partnerships and both domestic and foreign investment.
We aim to build a Bangladesh where young people can fearlessly and effortlessly find paths to realize their dreams, women can lead their lives with confidence, every child can grow up with opportunities to develop their full potential, and above all, the people will receive the assurance of a safe and peaceful life. This is why we say, ‘Bangladesh First: Bangladesh for All.’ I conclude my speech by once again expressing Bangladesh’s unequivocal support for all the principles and values of the United Nations in establishing global peace.
Thank you, Mr. President,
Allah Hafez (May Allah be your Protector)
Bangladesh Zindabad (Long Live Bangladesh).’
Source: BSS