Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants a more effective role for the international community in repatriating Rohingya refugees who have taken shelter in Cox's Bazaar.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing the 75th session of the UN General Assembly on Saturday (September 26).
At the same time, she said, "Friendship with all is not enmity with anyone," which is the motto of our foreign policy. Inspired by this mantra, Bangladesh has been making regular contribution in maintaining peace and security and building a culture of peace.
The Prime Minister said the Bengali nation has been the victim of indescribable misery, crimes against humanity and heinous crimes like genocide in our freedom struggle. From that difficult experience, we have come to support the just demands of the oppressed Palestinian people.
Bangladesh has provided shelter to more than 11 lakhs forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals. More than three years have passed but Myanmar has not taken back a single Rohingya. This problem is the creation of Myanmar and it is up to Myanmar to solve it. I urge the international community to play a more effective role in this regard.
Sheikh Hasina said issues like intolerance, hatred, animosity and extremist nationalism are on the rise during the pandemic. We can address these issues by establishing a culture of peace. Bangladesh is now at the top in sending peacekeepers. Our peacekeepers are risking their lives to establish and maintain peace in conflict-prone countries. Ensuring their safety and security is one of the responsibilities of the international community.
She said Bangladesh has been supporting its other initiatives including lockdown since the beginning. Just as World War II created an opportunity for the United Nations to emphasize the need for united efforts by all nations of the world, this pandemic has brought to the fore the need for us to unite and provide proper leadership.
The Prime Minister said this year is very significant for the Bengali nation. This year we are celebrating the birth centenary of the father of our nation. Bangabandhu's life, struggle, self-sacrifice and success give us courage to face the challenges of Covid-19, as well as overcome the crisis and inspire hope for a new day.
We, the two sisters, were out of the country and escaped the killers, she said. As refugees we had to stay out of the country for 6 years. I am raising this issue in the UN General Assembly so that such heinous, ruthless and illegal killings do not happen again in the history of the world.
The Prime Minister further said that since we are committed to peace, we have adopted the policy of 'Zero Tolerance' against terrorism and violent extremism. In addition to national initiatives, international cooperation is essential to address the risks posed by the pandemic.
Our support for the global aspiration to build a world free of nuclear weapons is unwavering, she said. With that in mind, we strongly support the work of developing countries in the peaceful use of nuclear technology.