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Prolonging Rohingya crisis

Momen blames divisions in UNSC

BD eyes UN president post


FE Report | Monday, 25 October 2021


Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen on Sunday said the Rohingya crisis is being prolonged due to division in the UN Security Council (UNSC).
"Among the five permanent members of the UNSC, Russia and China opposed an UN resolution on Myanmar and the Rohingya issue," the minister noted while addressing a discussion on the UN Day in the city.
But he hoped that Russia and China would change their position, paving the way for resolving the Rohingya crisis. He also informed that Bangladesh is planning to seek the post of the UN President for 2026.
The minister opined that despite its many failures, the UN has so far been able to prevent the third world war.
"It is undoubtedly true that the UN has been playing a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the world. And its contribution to our country is also crucial."
He recalled that after the independence of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was adamant in securing the UN membership despite suggestions that he would fail.
"When China vetoed against the membership of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu was disheartened. But he did not deviate from his goal. Finally, Bangladesh achieved the UN membership after some period."
The foreign minister said Bangladesh is the largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping force, and the UN is proud of Bangladesh.
Dr Momen also narrated how Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been playing a crucial role in the UN for promoting peace and sustainable development.
She placed a proposal for ensuring the culture of peace across the world through educating the nations to give up the notions of hatred, malice and violence.
The prime minister also placed another proposal to empower the marginalised and left-out people to ensure sustainable development of all the nations of the world.