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Published : 18 Jun 2026, 12:23 PM
Bangladesh has called for stronger humanitarian assistance, enhanced protection of civilians, and greater participation of women in peacebuilding efforts amid severe humanitarian crises worldwide.
Speaking at the 2026 Humanitarian Affairs Segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to humanitarian principles and values. She stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh is working to expand social protection programmes, strengthen disaster preparedness, promote women’s empowerment, and support vulnerable populations.
A press statement from the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations, New York also shared the information.
On the same day, while participating in the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), the state minister highlighted the indispensable role of women in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and post-conflict reconstruction.
She highly praised the professionalism, leadership, and contributions of Bangladeshi female peacekeepers serving in UN peacekeeping missions and called for greater and more meaningful participation of women in peace and security initiatives.
The state minister expressed deep concern over the growing suffering of women and children in conflict-affected regions around the world. She also drew the international community’s attention to the widening humanitarian funding gap and emphasised the need for increased support.
Referring to the Rohingya crisis, she stressed the importance of continued international cooperation toward a sustainable solution and called for the swift repatriation of the Rohingya people to their homeland, Myanmar.
On Jun 18, Shama will participate in the High-Level Panel Discussion 2 of the ECOSOC 2026 Humanitarian Affairs Segment. On the same day, she will lead the Bangladesh delegation in a bilateral meeting with Sima Bahous, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, at the UN Headquarters.
