Foreign Secretary Masood bin Momen has said that Bangladesh is very disappointed with the role of the United Nations in the Rohingya issue.
He made the remarks at an international webinar on the United Nations on Thursday (September 17).
Foreign Secretary Masoud bin Momen said, "We want a more transparent and efficient United Nations, where the United Nations will play a more responsible role in case of emergency." However, we are very disappointed with the role of the United Nations in resolving the Rohingya issue.
On the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, it is time to reshape the global organization, he said. In a situation of urgent need, a more responsible role of the United Nations has become urgent, in line with expectations for the welfare of the people, not the state.
Because, there is frustration among many about the role of UN. Speakers at the webinar action session gave this opinion. Former Foreign Secretary and Senior Fellow of North South University Mohammad Shahidul Haque conducted the function.
The North South University's Center for Peace Studies (CPS) and the United Nations co-hosted the two-day webinar, entitled "United Nations in Needs of the People: Reconsidering Multilateral Action."
The second day of the two-day webinar discussed the future of the United Nations in the context of civil society at the first working session.
Foreign Secretary Masoud bin Momen said: "There is a sense of change in the United Nations. But not all countries are getting involved in this change in the same way. Many countries have been involved in this process responsibly and collaboratively. Again, some countries are creating obstacles. As a result, the UN is still going through an interim process. It's time to dump her and move on."
Regarding Bangladesh's expectations from the United Nations, the Foreign Secretary said, "So far we must have confidence in the multilateral system. But we want a more transparent and efficient UN. Where the UN will play a more responsible role in case of emergency. So that the expectations of the member countries are met. However, we are very disappointed with the role of the United Nations in resolving the Rohingya issue."
He said that the current structure of the UN is not effective enough, whether it is the right of the Security Council to vote or the duality of the powerful countries. Because, even though the UN is helping the Rohingyas at the grassroots level, the UN is not giving any clear roadmap to solve the main problem.
"The current world is the world of Asia and Asia needs to be properly represented at the United Nations," said Samurai Sharan, president of the Observer Research Foundation."
"China and India and other countries will one day sit in dialogue and resolve the issue on their own," he said, referring to Asian countries working together to resolve complexities.
Mia Seppo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, said, 'Civil society activities are growing under the leadership of young people. Their role in various issues, including climate change and violence against women, is obvious.'
According to him, challenges remain for the field of civil society work. Because, they can talk in the UN. The voices of the poor in a UN member state can only be heard when that country tries to alleviate their plight. So in the end the member countries have to come forward. Because, if there are no jobs for civil society in the member countries, how will they get opportunities in the UN corridor.
Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) Chairman. Kazi Khaliquzzaman said, "Big NGOs are not able to take part in the UN process due to large funds. Due to the funding crisis, small NGOs have not been able to join the UN process.
Imtiaz Ahmed, a professor in the Department of International Relations at Dhaka University, said, "It's time for a change in the United Nations."
"In the interest of playing a role in the welfare of the people, the United Nations must work according to a plan, not a structure," said Rance Terink, the European Union's ambassador to Dhaka. In this context, the EU is working to fill that gap.
Anis Chowdhury, policy advisor at the Prime Minister's Office, said, "The United Nations and its agencies are helping to create easily accessible technologies for the people of many countries, including Bangladesh."
Professor Atiqul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of North South University, said, "The United Nations must be people-centered and bring about the necessary changes."
Sheikh Tanjib Islam, head of the Asia-Pacific Center for Geopolitics and Regional Affairs at the World Economic Forum (WEF), said, "Many have faith in the government. But they can't serve properly. Again, no one trusts the private sector, but they are providing services and there are complications with these two issues. '
Sammy Wadud, President of United Association Youth and Students Association of Bangladesh spoke on the occasion.