YouSaid · the spoken record

Sheikh Hasina

lines on the record: 296
first: 1999-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 16
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“As a follow-up to my role as a member of the High-level Panel on Water, we remain committed to implementing the outcome of the Panel, which was formed under the joint initiative of the Secretary- General and the World Bank President. I urge world leaders to take urgent actions on the proper appraisal and management of and investment in water. We shall be held responsible by future generations if we fail to do so. My Government remains committed to ensuring safe drinking water and sanitation for all through the achievement of SDG 6. As of now, 99 per cent of our people have access to sanitation and 88 per cent to safe drinking water. Under our social safety-net programmes, 6.5 million elderly men and women, widows, destitute women and persons with disabilities receive regular allowances.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Bangladesh is now recognized as a global development model. We have commenced our journey from being an LDC to acquiring the status of a developing country. The pathway for graduation is inextricably linked to our implementation strategy for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is integrated into our seventh five-year plan. We remain fully committed to implementing the SDGs. Against the backdrop of our current economic growth, there are now immense and large-scale business opportunities in Bangladesh. Foreign investors are being offered various financial incentives like tax holidays, double taxation agreements and duty-free exemptions. We are setting up 100 special economic zones to help create 10 million job opportunities in Bangladesh.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“During the same period, extreme poverty has decreased from 24 per cent to 11.3 per cent. Our foreign-exchange reserves totalled $7.5 billion in the 2008/2009 fiscal year and increased to $32.2 billion in 2018. Public investment stood at 4.3 per cent of GDP in 2009 and rose to 8.2 per cent in 2018. Power-generation capacity has increased to 20,000 megawatts from 3,000 megawatts in 2009. We are building supercritical coal-based power-generation plants to ensure a sustainable power supply. In remote areas without transmission lines, the power supply is being ensured with the help of 5.5 million solar panels. Ninety per cent of our population now has access to electricity. With the launch of the work on the Rooppur nuclear power plant, we have moved a step ahead in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Bangladesh has aligned itself with the Global Call to Action on the World Drug Problem sponsored by the United States. Since 2009, we have been implementing inclusive and people-centric development policies. On our way to realizing Shonar Bangla or Golden Bengal, as envisioned by our father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, we remain committed to fulfilling our people’s aspirations. The World Bank recognized Bangladesh as a middle-income country in 2015. Bangladesh is the forty-third largest economy in the world in terms of nominal gross domestic product (GDP). Our per capita income has increased from $543 in 2006 to $1,752 in 2018. We have achieved an average GDP growth of 7.86 per cent. Inflation has decreased by 5.4 per cent. The poverty rate has dropped from 41.5 per cent in 2006 to 21.4 per cent in 2018.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We pledged 23 contingents under the Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System. As one of the original proponents, Bangladesh hoped to see a more robust and human rights-centric global compact on safe, regular and orderly migration. In the contemporary global context, the migration compact should be considered a positive step and should serve as a living document for protecting the rights of migrants. Bangladesh stands firm against terrorism and all organized crime. We shall not allow our territory to be used for any terrorist acts against our neighbours or for any activity detrimental to their interests. Our zero- tolerance policy in countering terrorism will continue undiminished. Our whole-of-society approach has served us well in preventing violent extremism, human trafficking and the flow of illicit drugs.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“I also seek their assistance to help relocate the Rohingya to the facility. The Rohingya crisis had its origin in Myanmar. As such, its solution has to be found in Myanmar. We also wish to see an immediate and effective implementation of the agreement concluded between Myanmar and the United Nations. We want an early, peaceful solution to the Rohingya crisis. Over the past 30 years, Bangladesh has made its contribution to international peace by deploying more than 158,000 peacekeepers in 54 missions. A total of 145 peacekeepers from Bangladesh have made their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Currently, more than 7,000 peacekeepers, including 144 women, are deployed in 10 different missions. Our peacekeepers have been acclaimed for their professionalism, courage and success.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“To the best of our ability, we have made arrangements for their food, clothing, health care, childcare and security. Many countries and organizations, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, have shown solidarity with the Rohingya and extended support and assistance to them. I extend my appreciation and thanks to the international community As long as the Rohingya are unable to return home, they should, as a temporary arrangement, be able to live in good and healthy conditions. With that in mind, we have started working on a new housing facility for them with all arrangements necessary for their education, health care and other needs. I call upon international organizations to join hands with us in that initiative.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Therefore, I presented a five-point proposal at the General Assembly last year (see A/72/PV.14), with a view to finding a durable and peaceful solution to the suffering of the forcibly displaced and hapless Rohingya. We are disappointed that, despite our earnest efforts, we have not been able to begin Rohingya repatriation in a permanent and sustainable manner. Myanmar is one of our neighbours. From the outset, we have been trying to find a peaceful solution to the Rohingya crisis through bilateral consultations. So far, three bilateral arrangements have been concluded between Bangladesh and Myanmar for Rohingya repatriation. Despite their verbal commitment to take back the Rohingya, in reality the Myanmar authorities have yet to accept them back. The 1.1 million Rohingya hosted in Bangladesh are living in an uncertain situation.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We are appalled by what we have seen in United Nations reports about atrocities committed against the Rohingya, who have now taken shelter in Bangladesh. Such atrocities are tantamount to genocide and crimes against humanity. We expect the international community, in particular the United Nations, to give due importance to the atrocities and injustice suffered by the Rohingya population in Myanmar. As fellow human beings, we can neither ignore nor remain silent about the plight of the Rohingya. When my father and family members were killed, I was not allowed to return home for six years. My sister and I were compelled to live abroad as refugees. I can feel the misery of losing one’s loved ones and of living in a different land as a refugee.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“It is impossible to build peaceful, just and sustainable societies by ignoring such situations. The Myanmar situation repeatedly reminds us of the genocide committed by the Pakistani occupation forces against our people in 1971. During the nine months of our Liberation War, Pakistanis killed 3 million innocent Bengalis. Two hundred thousand women had to suffer heinous torture and abuse. Ten million people had to flee their homes and take refuge in India. My father was arrested and taken to Pakistan. I was also taken prisoner along with my mother, two younger brothers and a sister. I was expecting my first child at the time. He was born in captivity. We had to spend our days in a damp, unhealthy environment.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Yet, misfortune befell our people. Bangabandhu would lead the country for only three and a half years. He was brutally gunned down by assassins on 15 August 1975. Along with him, 18 members of my family, among them my mother Begum Fazilatunnesa, three brothers, the youngest only 10 years of age, and two newly wed sisters-in-law, were also killed. My sister Sheikh Rehana and I happened to be abroad at the time and survived the mayhem. But we were barred from returning to the country. The military dictator who seized power at the time promulgated the Indemnity Ordinance, which blocked the possibility of bringing the killers to justice. We were denied the right to seek justice for the gruesome murders. I feel the pain and suffering of countless people around the world, like the Rohingya, persecuted and expelled from their homes.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The United Nations remains the centre of hope for the future of all people in this world of sadness, misery and conflict. My father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, devoted his life to the socioeconomic development of the people of Bangladesh. He did so at a time when 90 per cent of the population lived below the poverty line. Following 24 years of struggle culminating in the victory of our Liberation War, Bangladesh gained independence under his leadership in 1971. During that long period of struggle, he spent almost 14 years in prison. There were plots to assassinate him time and again. Following independence, Bangabandhu directed his strength to rebuilding a war-ravaged country with a ruined economy. The people had a great need for relief. Bangladesh set out on its journey as a least developed country (LDC).”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Let me congratulate the President on her election as the fourth female President of the General Assembly during its 73 years of history. I wish to assure her of my delegation’s full support in upholding her commitment to the United Nations. I also congratulate Secretary-General António Guterres on his firm and courageous leadership in promoting global peace, security and sustainable development. The theme chosen for this year’s session brings back some personal memories for me. Forty-four years ago, my father, the father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, stood at this rostrum and said “Peace is an imperative for the survival of mankind. It represents the deepest aspirations of men and women throughout the world.” (A/PV.2243, para.15).”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“There is now a public primary school in every village of the country, and 38,331 educational institutions have been equipped with digital laboratories and multimedia classrooms. Special emphasis is being placed on promoting technical and vocational education and training for young people. Our youth are the main movers in realizing my vision for a knowledge-based, digital Bangladesh. We are working to create an environment to allow them to pursue transformative education, find decent jobs and turn into truly global citizens. I am happy to announce that Bangabandhu-1, our very first satellite, is scheduled to be launched this year on our Victory Day, 16 December. In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that we do not want war. We want peace. We seek the well-being of humankind, not its destruction. We want sustainable development.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“To ensure inclusive growth, promote investment and employment opportunities for all, we have launched an initiative to develop 100 special economic zones around the country. Our extensive social safety net measures give coverage to many vulnerable segments of our population, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, victims of domestic violence and vulnerable mothers under economic hardship. Special emphasis has been given to unlocking the potentials of physically challenged children and people. Some 103 service and care centres, along with 32 mobile therapy vans, attend to the needs of persons with disabilities, including those affected by autism. A total of 18,500 community health clinics are being complemented by medical services through the use of mobile phones and web cameras in districts and subdistricts.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We also promote education support, women’s empowerment, education for all, the social safety net, environmental protection, and investment and development. Our voluntary national review presented to the United Nations this year showcased our progress in and commitment to achieving the SDGs. In 2016-2017, Bangladesh’s economy posted a gross domestic product growth rate of more than 7.24 per cent, and our foreign currency reserves reached $32.1 billion. We have lowered the poverty rate from 56.7 per cent in 1991 to 23.2 per cent today. Our per capita income is expected to grow to $1,602 by the end of the current fiscal year, from only $543 in 2005-2006. Our life expectancy has increased to almost 72 years. These figures are indications of our inclusive development, in which no citizen is left behind.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We believe that there are close links between peace, stability and development. We share the conviction that addressing poverty, hunger, illiteracy, unemployment and inequality is crucial to building peaceful, just and inclusive societies. We are committed to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In that regard, our Government has adopted a whole-of- society approach. The SDGs complement our vision to transform Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed one by 2041. Even before the adoption of the SDGs, we initiated unique social programmes that reflect the themes of the SDGs, such as the Ekti Bari Ekti Khamar — “One Household One Farm” project; community clinics; the Ashrayan shelter project and the Digital Bangladesh initiative.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“By recognizing climate vulnerability, we are building resilience against the grave impacts of climate change. We believe in the potential of the blue economy in advancing the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean and seas. Bangladesh has achieved exemplary success in building resilience against flood and other disasters. Crop intensification and the invention of water-resistant crops have helped us achieve self-sufficiency in food. We have efficiently responded to the massive flood that struck the entire South Asian region this year. As a member of the United Nations High-level Panel on Water, I attach high priority to implementing its comprehensive action plan. Bangladesh ensured access to safe water for 87 per cent of its population by 2015, and we aim for full access to safe water for our population by 2030.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In this regard, I reiterate my calls, first, for stopping the supply of arms to terrorists; secondly, for preventing terrorist financing; and, thirdly, for the peaceful settlement of all international disputes. I also urge the United Nations to address the growing threats emanating from cyberspace in order to prevent money- laundering, terrorist financing and other transnational organized crimes. We believe in promoting safe, orderly and regular migration. Last year, we proposed developing a sound migration governance framework through the global compact on safe, orderly and regular migration. I am pleased that the United Nations is delivering on the formation of the compact for migration and refugees. The Paris Agreement on Climate Change remains our bastion of hope for climate justice.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“As an endorser of the Voluntary Compact on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, I am committed to the Secretary-General’s Circle of Leadership to combat this scourge. I am also pleased to announce a contribution of $100,000 to the Victim Support Fund established for this purpose. Terrorism and violent extremism have become a major threat to peace, stability and development. Terrorists have no religion, belief or race. Having been the target of a number of terrorist attacks myself, I personally empathize with the victims of terrorism and appreciate their need for protection. We denounce the use of religion to justify violent extremism. I have involved families, women, young people, the media and religious leaders at the community level to offset the spread of violent extremism.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In recognition of the potential role of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture, we look forward to receiving bold and innovative proposals from the Secretary-General on financing for sustaining peace. I am pleased to announce a contribution of $100,000 from Bangladesh for the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. As a major troop- and police-contributing country, Bangladesh underscores the importance of upholding the effectiveness and credibility of United Nations peacekeeping operations. We shall maintain our own capability readiness, remain open to further smart pledges, enhance the scope of our peacekeeping training and deploy more female peacekeepers. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any allegation of sexual exploitation and abuse.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In Bangladesh, we have already undertaken the daunting task of bringing the key perpetrators to justice through the International Crimes Tribunal. I urge the international community to take collective action to prevent the recurrence of such heinous crimes as these anywhere anytime. I believe that acknowledging past tragedies such as the 1971 genocide could guide us to achieving “never again”. Since our birth as a nation, we have pursued peace-centric domestic and foreign policies. In that spirit, Bangladesh has taken the lead in introducing the resolution on a culture of peace every year in the General Assembly since 2000. We reaffirm the call for a resumption of the Middle East peace process and for ending all forms of hostilities and discrimination against the brotherly Palestinian people.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Fifthly, the recommendations of the Kofi Annan Foundation Advisory Commission report must be immediately and unconditionally implemented in their entirety. In the 1971 war of liberation against Pakistan, we endured an extreme form of genocide. In the nine-month war, some 3 million innocent people were killed and more than 200,000 women violated. The Pakistani military launched the heinous Operation Searchlight on 25 March, marking the start of the 1971 genocide. This genocide involved the targeted elimination of individuals on the grounds of religion, race and political belief. Intellectuals were brutally killed. To pay homage to the victims of the genocide, our national parliament recently declared 25 March Genocide Day.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“I further call on the United Nations and the international community to take immediate and effective measures in order to achieve a permanent solution to this protracted Rohingya crisis. In this regard, I propose the following actions. First, Myanmar must unconditionally, immediately and permanently stop the violence and the practice of ethnic cleansing in Rakhine state. Secondly, the Secretary-General should immediately send a fact-finding mission to Myanmar. Thirdly, all civilians irrespective of religion and ethnicity must be protected in Myanmar. To that end, safe zones could be created inside Myanmar under United Nations supervision. Fourthly, the sustainable return of all forcibly displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh to their homes in Myanmar must be ensured.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya from Rakhine state are entering Bangladesh to flee violence. As estimated by the International Organization for Migration, in the past three weeks alone, over 430,000 Rohingya entered Bangladesh. We are horrified to see that the Myanmar authorities are laying landmines along their stretch of the border to prevent the Rohingya from returning to their country. This people must be able to return to their homeland in safety, security and dignity. At the same time, I also condemn every kind of terrorism and violent extremism. Our Government maintains a zero-tolerance policy in this regard. I thank the Secretary-General and members of the Security Council for their proactive attempts to stop the atrocities and bring peace and stability to Rakhine state in Myanmar.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“I can feel their pain because I and my younger sister were refugees for six years after my father, the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and almost all members of my family were assassinated in 1975. In 1974, in Bangladesh’s first-ever address to the General Assembly, my father said, “I know that the souls of our martyrs join us in pledging that the Bangalee nation fully commits itself to the building of a world order in which the aspiration of all men for peace and justice will be realized”. We are currently sheltering more than 800,000 forcibly displaced Rohingya from Myanmar. The ongoing atrocities and human rights violations in the Rakhine state of Myanmar have once again aggravated the situation at the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Mr. President, let me extend my heartiest felicitations on your election as President of the General Assembly at its seventy- second session. My delegation assures you of our full support in discharging your priorities on people, peace and planet. This is the fourteenth time I address the General Assembly, and this time I have come here with a heavy heart. I have come here just after seeing the hungry, distressed and hopeless Rohingya from Myanmar who have taken shelter in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. This forcibly displaced people of Myanmar are fleeing an ethnic cleansing in their own country, where they have been living for centuries.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The recent efforts to relaunch the Middle East peace process and end the hostilities against the brotherly Palestinian people must be pursued, in the right direction. In our globalized world, there are challenges. But there are also potential opportunities and benefits for all, but only if we know how to manage the process properly. We are all gathered here to serve our one humanity. Let us work through our differences and find common ground to make the pragmatic changes we wish to see in the world around us. The United Nations provides us with a unique platform to do so. Let us renew our resolve to create an Organization of enduring relevance.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“I would also like to urge the world community to work globally to dry up the sources of funds, arms and ammunition as well as moral and material support for militants and terrorists. Bangladesh will carry on promoting the culture of peace that is at the heart of the agenda of the United Nations. We shall uphold our contribution to peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Our decision to set up a peacebuilding centre in Dhaka will allow us to share our experience with other countries that are emerging from conflict. Likewise, we will remain vocal about recognizing the role of national judicial processes in ensuring accountability and justice for mass atrocities. We have moved past decades of impunity to ensure the trial of the local perpetrators of genocide and crimes against humanity during our liberation war, in 1971.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Bangladesh, a unique country of religious harmony, experienced a grisly attack on 1 July 2016, when homegrown terrorists killed 20 people at a Dhaka restaurant. We were able to rescue 13 hostages unharmed, but that horrific incident left a deep scar on the hearts of the people of Bangladesh. We are now battling this new wave of terrorism. We have undertaken massive programmes to awaken people and warn them against radicalization and to stand against militancy and extremism. The whole-of- society response I called for has been unprecedented. I am confident that with our people’s resilience and support, we will ensure that terrorists have absolutely no place on our soil.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We must unite in our resolve to defeat and degrade them in all their forms and manifestations. We have to identify the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism. At the same time, we have to identify the mentors, masterminds, abettors, financiers, arms suppliers and trainers of these terrorists and extremists, and we must take strong action against them. As a victim of terrorist attacks myself, I have a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and violent extremism. Our Government has succeeded in dismantling homegrown terrorist groups, plugging their regular financing pipelines and flushing out their regional operatives from our territory. With the vicious rise of certain international terrorist entities, it appears that some local fringe elements have drawn inspiration and managed to regroup and rebrand themselves.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Bangladesh is perhaps the only country in the world today where women hold the posts of Prime Minister and Leader of the House, Leader of the Opposition, Speaker and Deputy Leader of the House. Presently, we have 70 women members of Parliament, constituting 20 per cent of the House. More than 12,500 elected women representatives are serving in local government bodies. Last year, I mentioned terrorism and violent extremism as one of the two major global challenges of our time (see A/70/PV.19). We see these menaces sweeping across borders. No country seems immune, no individual beyond their reach. Terrorists are now often killing many innocent people everywhere, from the United States of America to Europe, and from Africa to Asia. We believe that terrorists have no religion, caste or creed.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We have a shared responsibility to ensure the judicious and equitable use of our common waters. We must stand by our pledge to provide clean drinking water and sanitation for all. I shall continue to champion these issues as a member of the High-level Panel on Water. I firmly believe that without women’s participation, sustainable development will simply not be tenable. A host of measures, including the promotion of girls’ education, undertaken half a decade ago have started to yield dividends. Women in Bangladesh are now increasingly becoming an integral part of our development endeavours. Around 3.5 million women are now working in the garment industry, a leading export earning sector. The percentage of women in all professions is rapidly rising.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“A key to our development strategy is our focus on addressing inequality through social security, decent work and financial inclusion. We allocate over 13 per cent of our budget to social-safety-net spending, which is 2.3 per cent of our GDP. Climate change threatens many of our development gains. The landmark Paris Climate Agreement recognizes the importance of adaptation, loss, damage and climate justice. Bangladesh has ratified the Agreement, and we hope that the large carbon-emitting countries will ratify it soon. We must join ranks to preserve our natural resources for succeeding generations. Bangladesh reaffirms the need for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources so as to tap the potential of a blue economy. The life-sustaining force of water is a finite resource.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Bangladesh has experienced one of the fastest poverty reduction rates in countries with a modest resource base. We have brought poverty down from 56.7 per cent in 1991 to 22.4 per cent today. We have already gone from the low to the medium category in the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Report and have reached the World Bank’s lower- middle income status. Over the past seven years, despite the global recession, our export earnings more than tripled to reach $34.24 billion, remittance flows have increased nearly threefold, and our foreign currency reserves have multiplied 8.5 times, from $3.5 billion to over $31 billion. During the same period, power- generation capacity almost tripled, as did foreign direct investment.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Multimodal transport networks are being built to promote trade and people-to-people contacts among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal. The work of the 6.15 kilometre-long Padma Multipurpose Bridge was commissioned with our own resources. Discussions are under way to build a deep seaport, while our third seaport in Paira has commenced operations. Work on the metro rail in our capital, Dhaka, is also under way. One hundred economic zones are being developed across the country to allow potential investors to invest in Bangladesh. Such forward-looking thrusts in our progress are supported by the impressive performance of our macroeconomic and socioeconomic indicators. In the fiscal period 2015-2016, our economy posted a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of over 7 per cent.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Digital laboratories and multimedia classrooms are operating in a growing number of educational institutions. The growing web of physical and virtual connectivity is creating new opportunities for our people. As a key enabler of economic development, broadband connectivity should be available to every citizen of the world. I invite world leaders and other international partners to join hands in making this possible. Our Government is committed to providing a voice and data connection to every citizen by 2021. Bangladesh’s strategic location makes it an emerging hub for regional connectivity, foreign investment and global outsourcing. We have embarked on large-scale infrastructure projects to match our development aspirations.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Consultations are now ongoing with local government, civil society, media and academia. They are being carried out in tandem with our Vision 2021 and Vision 2041 policies, which seek to realize Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s dream of building a “Sonar”, or Golden Bangladesh, that is free from hunger, poverty, illiteracy and exploitation. Our aim is to build an inclusive, empowered, digital and knowledge-based society. My Government is focusing on innovative public service delivery, mass access to information, and enhanced transparency and accountability. We have set up about 10,000 digital centres across the country in order to deliver 200 different services to people’s doorsteps. Health services through mobile phones and a 24-hour web portal are complementing the work of 16,438 community and local health clinics.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“In 2015, we adopted a transformative development agenda with a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The political will behind the agenda needs to be translated into concrete and meaningful support for countries that are lagging behind. In order to catch up, the developing world needs access to transformative technologies. The internationally agreed development commitments for the least developed countries (LDCs) must be fulfilled in order to pave the way for their graduation. The Technology Bank for the LDCs should be geared to promoting innovation and predictable resource flows. In Bangladesh, we have already mainstreamed most of the SDGs into our national development plans. A platform under the supervision of the Prime Minister has been created to coordinate and monitor the work.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“What was the fault of 5-year- old Omran Daqneesh, who was seriously wounded in his hometown of Aleppo by an air strike? As a mother, it is indeed hard to understand those cruelties. Will our global conscience not be stirred by such events? We have just concluded the historic summit for refugees and migrants. The outcome of the summit should help redefine perceptions and realities of human mobility in our time. Migrants and refugees must be seen as potential agents for change both in their places of origin and destination. Bangladesh offers to co-facilitate the work of the global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration. We look forward to a constructive dialogue on all related issues at the Global Forum on Migration and Development, which we will host in December.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“mobilize and concentrate all our energies and resources in combating the scourges of poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy and unemployment.” (A/PV.2243, para. 12) Our world is now at a juncture where the end of those scourges is in sight. There are many creative and practical solutions in our hands. The amazing power of technology, ideas and global citizens help us to imagine a brave new world. Yet our world is not free from tension and fear. Violent conflicts continue to rage in several places, with a heavy toll on human lives. Those fleeing from the conflicts are often denied protection across borders. Dire humanitarian needs are at times ignored and access to those in need is blocked. What was the crime of Aylan Kurdi, the innocent 3-year-old Syrian boy who drowned at sea?”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Mr. Thomson on his election as President of General Assembly at its seventy- first session. I commend the exemplary manner of his predecessor, Mr. Mogens Lykketoft, who presided over the Assembly last year. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon marks the completion of his tenure this year. I recall our many meetings and conversations on a host of important issues. Always a true and trusted friend, he recognized Bangladesh’s development gains as a model for the rest of the world. I wish him and Mrs. Ban continued success and good health. Bangladesh’s Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, standing before the General Assembly in 1974, stated: “Our total commitment to peace is born of the realization that only an environment of peace would enable us to ...”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“By so doing, jointly with India, we have set a unique precedent for the rest of the world. In that spirit, I urge the comity of nations to renew our collective resolve to achieve a peaceful, stable and prosperous world free from poverty and inequality, violence and extremism, climate change and conflict, and oppression and injustice. Let us demonstrate foresight, moral courage and political leadership in building a better life and brighter future for all of our 36/54 15-29562 30/09/2015 A/70/PV.19 children. May Bangladesh live forever! Long live the United Nations!”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We remain committed, as ever, to upholding peace and the rule of law and to putting an end to the culture of impunity. In that spirit, we are pursuing the perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity, rape and genocide committed during our 1971 Liberation War. Our Government attaches the utmost importance to preserving the religious harmony and tolerance that have nurtured our social fabric throughout the ages. We have recently settled maritime and land boundary demarcations and related issues with our neighbours India and Myanmar. At the stroke of midnight on 31 July, we exchanged 162 enclaves with India, whereby more than 50,000 stateless enclave residents obtained their much-cherished citizenship. That brought to a peaceful end the lingering humanitarian situation of the enclave residents.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Likewise, we attach priority to addressing the needs and challenges of the various vulnerable segments of our population. Our lead role in the United Nations promotion of the rights and well- being of persons affected by autism and other neuro- developmental disabilities arose from our efforts to build an inclusive society. As we did during the MDG era, we would like to lead by example in implementing the SDGs in Bangladesh. Attaching due importance to the SDG framework, we are currently developing the next five-year plan for 2016-2020. My Government is determined to ensure that no one is left behind in our aspiration to build a resilient, peaceful and prosperous society. We believe that sustainable development cannot be achieved in the absence of durable peace and security.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We now offer stipends to 13.4 million poor students enrolled in sixth grade to the undergraduate level and free education for girls up to the higher secondary level in order to address the challenge of student drop-outs. On the first day of this year, we distributed over 326.35 million free text books throughout the country. Since 2010, nearly 1.59 billion text books have been distributed. This is perhaps the biggest such undertaking anywhere in the world. Our people living in rural areas receive over 200 services from over 5,275 digital centres. They have access to health-care services through more than 16,500 technology-connected health complexes. We have seen the visible results of women’s economic and political empowerment by promoting their greater access to productive resources and representation at the national and local levels.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Bangladesh has already met or is on track to meet MDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. During the past six years, our average gross domestic product growth has remained at about 6.2 per cent, despite the global recession; from 2005 to 2015, our export earnings have increased more than threefold; during the same period, foreign currency reserves have jumped by a factor of 7.5, from $3.5 billion to $26 billion. Moreover, during the same period, Bangladesh has graduated from the United Nations Development Programme low human development category to the medium category, and from the World Bank’s lower-income country status to lower-middle income. We realize that investments in human capital that target our large youth population would pay rich dividends. That is why our Government has placed particular emphasis on education and health care for all.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“That clarion call continues to guide our development pursuits and engagement in global affairs. We continue to transform Bangladesh into a land where the rule of law and social justice prevail over poverty, inequality, impunity and exclusion. I have presented the Vision 2021 initiative, towards a middle-income, knowledge-driven economy in what we are calling a “digital Bangladesh”. With our steady progress so far, I am confident that we will soon realize the dream of the father of the nation of building sonar Bangla, or “golden Bangladesh”. Bangladesh is widely recognized today as a role model for the developing world. We have one of the fastest poverty reduction rates in the world, despite a modest resource base; our poverty rate has fallen from 56.7 per cent in 1991 to 22.4 per cent today.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“It is essential that developed countries fulfil their official development assistance commitment of 0.7 per cent of gross national income to developing countries, and 0.2 per cent to the least developed countries. We also need to address the challenges faced by developing countries in accessing environmentally sound technology. Without such technology transfers and capacity-building, I am afraid that many development goals and targets will never be achieved. 15-29562 35/54 A/70/PV.19 30/09/2015 Over four decades ago, the father of our nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in his maiden speech before the General Assembly, envisioned “the building of a world order in which the aspiration of all men for peace and justice will be realized” (A/PV.2243, para. 2) and freedom from poverty, hunger, exploitation and aggression.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Our valiant peacekeepers have so far made their mark in 54 peacekeeping missions in 40 countries. We have the distinction of having the highest number of female police personnel participating in United Nations peacekeeping missions. Our contribution to United Nations peace operations has made us a reliable partner in United Nations peace initiatives. Development efforts in many of our countries over the past 15 years have been largely guided by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The overall progress made in implementing the MDGs inspired us to adopt a bigger, bolder and more ambitious set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given the ambition reflected in the SDGs, we surely will need to scale up the mobilization of resources from public, private, domestic and international spheres.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)