PM Puts ‘Bangladesh First’ Vision Before the World at the UN
DEMOCRACY is the desired goal and the guiding principle of development, even though democracy in Bangladesh had long been a subject of question.
‘Our guiding principle is ‘Bangladesh First,’ Prime Minister Tarique Rahman highlighted this in his address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday.
It was a historic moment for the nation.
His address highlighted the country’s changing political landscape, internal reforms, economic empowerment, and the roadmap for the development of women and the youth.
He also spoke various global challenges such as the Rohingya crisis and artificial intelligence. Observers are describing his speech as highly timely and historic.
The emphasis on rebuilding democratic institutions and ensuring equal rights is particularly significant, aspiring for a nation where people, regardless of political affiliation, religion, or race, can live safely and with dignity, and where democracy extends across the country.
This marked Tarique Rahman’s first address to the UNGA in his capacity as Prime Minister.
Previously, his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, and his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, had represented Bangladesh.
Thus, Tarique Rahman became the third member of the same family to present Bangladesh on the global stage.
Tarique Rahman stated that Bangladesh has once again embarked on the path of democracy following the end of a decade-and-a-half-long period of misrule and exploitation.
Bangladesh has become free from fascism in the wake of the mass uprising of July-August 2024.
Developing skills, creating employment, encouraging entrepreneurship, expanding women’s education and economic participation, and strengthening education, health and sports could help Bangladesh make better use of its demographic dividend.
From the Prime Minister’s remarks, we gather that this government aims to ensure not only electoral democracy but also the democratization of the economy.
The government is working to ensure that the benefits of economic growth and prosperity reach every citizen.
Simultaneously, it has undertaken various initiatives to transform the country’s working-age population into skilled human resources.
He highlighted programmes such as the Family Card, Farmer Card, Sports Card, and e-Health Card.
The Prime Minister stated that Bangladesh has been providing shelter to over 1.2 million Rohingyas, forcibly displaced from Myanmar, for more than nine years.
This has placed immense pressure on the country’s resources, environment, and security, as well as on the local population.
He remarked, “The root of the Rohingya crisis lies in Myanmar; therefore, the solution also lies there.”
He emphasized the need for dialogue, diplomatic processes, and mutual cooperation in resolving conflicts between nations.
The Premier also reiterated Bangladesh’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.
We believe the Prime Minister’s speech offered a commendable and balanced presentation of the development roadmap for a new Bangladesh and the nation’s global commitments.
The address delivered on the world stage will only become truly meaningful if the pledge to build a democratic, equitable, and self-reliant nation is realized.
