Photo: Collected
In a message issued today on the occasion of United Nations Day, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir highlighted Bangladesh’s firm commitment to multilateralism. He also said Bangladesh supports meaningful reform of the United Nations to tackle global challenges.
In the message, he said the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is determined to strengthen democratic governance, uphold human rights and the rule of law, and build accountable institutions.
According to the state minister, Bangladesh’s foreign minister has been elected president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, an achievement that reflects the government’s commitment to re-engage actively in the multilateral arena.
Humayun Kabir said Bangladesh stands for a more representative, transparent and effective United Nations. To enable the world body to play an effective role in step with contemporary realities, Bangladesh supports the necessary steps, including meaningful reform of the Security Council.
In his words, ‘At a time of geopolitical tension, armed conflict, humanitarian crises and growing inequality, multilateralism is not merely an option, but an imperative.’
He also called for renewed commitment to dialogue, the peaceful settlement of disputes, the sovereign equality of states and respect for international law.
Referring to Bangladesh’s role in world peace, the state minister said Bangladesh’s partnership with the UN rests on concrete action and solidarity. He noted that, as one of the top contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, Bangladeshi peacekeepers continue to serve in difficult environments in different parts of the world.
He also reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing women’s participation in peacekeeping operations and in decision-making on peace and security.
The state minister further said Bangladesh’s partnership with the UN is wide-ranging, with cooperation under way in many areas, including sustainable development, building disaster resilience, poverty alleviation, gender equality and humanitarian action.
Recalling that more than 1.2 million Rohingya forcibly displaced from Myanmar are still sheltered in Bangladesh, he sought the continued support of the international community to ensure their speedy and sustainable repatriation.
He said that alongside the international community’s efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is also essential to ensure support in financing, technology transfer and capacity building for developing countries, least developed countries and climate-vulnerable countries.
Extending warm greetings to the UN and its member states, Humayun Kabir said UN Day is a reminder of the lasting relevance of the UN Charter and of how important collective action is in the face of shared global challenges.
Concluding his message, he said, ‘Let us work together to restore trust, overcome divisions and build a world where peace, justice and prosperity are shared by all.’
Background
Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was elected president of the 81st session of the General Assembly in a vote held at the UN General Assembly Hall in New York on 2 June, The Business Standard reported on 2 June.
By the numbers
According to TBS’s report of 2 June, of the 190 ballots cast in that election, Khalilur Rahman received 99 votes, while his rival, Cyprus’s ambassador Andreas S Kakouris, received 91.
Sources
Background source: The Business Standard, 2 June 2026
