Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has called for stronger United Nations involvement to ensure the speedy and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar, stressing the need for international solidarity to resolve the prolonged crisis.

She made the remarks at a UN Day celebration organized by Zonta International, District 25, and Zonta Clubs of Bangladesh at a hotel in Dhaka on Saturday.

According to Bangladesh Pratidin, the state minister underscored the importance of an effective UN in addressing global challenges and building a peaceful, prosperous and just world.

She said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, remained committed to multilateralism and the three core pillars of the UN: development, peace and security, and human rights.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s longstanding engagement with the United Nations, Shama Obaed pointed to the country’s contributions to peacekeeping and peacebuilding, as well as its efforts to promote dialogue, consensus and international cooperation.

She also referred to Bangladesh’s participation in the ongoing 81st session of the UN General Assembly, chaired by Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, saying the country continued to work towards stronger global cooperation.

On sustainable development, the state minister stressed the need for reliable international assistance, affordable financing, technology transfer and better access to global markets. Such support, she said, was particularly important for Bangladesh as it pursued its development goals and prepared to graduate from the least developed country (LDC) category.

She also highlighted the contribution of Bangladeshi women to UN peacekeeping missions and called for stronger efforts to tackle gender-based violence, digital harassment and barriers to equal opportunities.

Referring to the recently launched Dhaka Dialogue, Shama Obaed said such initiatives could help advance the UN’s Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Her call for stronger UN engagement comes as Bangladesh continues to seek international support for the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingyas to Myanmar, where conditions conducive to their return remain a central concern.

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