New York, Sep 26 (V7N) – Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has reaffirmed Bangladesh's unwavering support for the United Nations' collective efforts to maintain global peace, with Nobel Peace laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus at the helm.

"Bangladesh, under the leadership of Nobel Peace laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, remains fully committed to contributing to the UN’s peace endeavors, including through our active participation in UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts," Hossain stated while addressing the UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate on "Leadership for Peace: United in Respect of the UN Charter, in Search of a Secure Future." The debate took place on the sidelines of the 79th UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, as per a message received today.

Hossain stressed the need for renewed commitment to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and called for reforms to ensure a more effective and representative Security Council capable of addressing both traditional and emerging global security challenges.

"Let us work together to ensure that multilateralism meets today's challenges," he urged, emphasizing that adherence to international norms is a binding obligation, not a choice.

Expressing concern over the increasing disregard for the UN Charter and the weakening of the global collective security system, Hossain called for enhanced accountability and decisive action in response to violations of international law. "The Security Council must address inequality, reinforce accountability, and ensure that breaches of international law are met with firm responses, without exception," he added.

Hossain also pushed for urgent reforms in the Security Council to improve its effectiveness in dealing with crises, citing the Council's failure to adequately protect civilians in conflicts such as those in Myanmar, Gaza, and Ukraine.

Highlighting the burden Bangladesh bears as the host of over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, Hossain mentioned that an additional 20,000 displaced individuals have recently crossed the border due to escalating violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. "Unfortunately, our capacity is simply overstretched," he noted, urging the Security Council to prioritize political solutions and promote a sustainable peace process in Myanmar.

"The Council can no longer remain indifferent, allowing civilians to suffer the most excruciating hardships," Hossain warned. He called for regular briefings on Myanmar and emphasized the need for greater involvement of regional actors in addressing the root causes of the conflict.

Hossain also thanked Slovenia's presidency for organizing the timely debate and underscored the significance of leadership for peace in light of Bangladesh’s recent transition from political instability. "Our people showed remarkable resilience to end oppressive governance, and now we are on a path of transformation," he said, linking Bangladesh's national experience to the broader global discussions on peace leadership.

Finally, Hossain highlighted the importance of elected members of the Security Council in building consensus on key issues, serving as impartial mediators, and ensuring that the voices of smaller nations and developing countries are not lost in the global geopolitical landscape.

Hossain is accompanying Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, who is leading Bangladesh’s delegation at the UN General Assembly.

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