TDS Desk:

Bangladesh has reiterated its commitment to democracy, global peace and inclusive development at Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa, with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam outlining the country’s priorities.

Speaking at a high-level panel moderated by Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang, the state minister said Bangladesh, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is moving forward on a new democratic path aimed at building an equitable and prosperous state, according to a foreign ministry press release issued on Tuesday.

She thanked Senegal for being the first African country to recognise Bangladesh as an independent nation and stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations.

She also recalled the 1981 visit of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to Senegal, saying it helped deepen diplomatic ties.

The state minister reaffirmed the BNP-led government’s focus on economic growth, digital development, humanitarian support and social protection programmes to improve living standards.

She also emphasised the role of young people in driving social progress.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s long-standing contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations, she called for stronger international cooperation on global peace efforts and the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda.

She paid tribute to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her contributions to women’s education and stressed the importance of women’s participation in ensuring lasting peace and stability.

Addressing concerns over digital misinformation and online harassment, particularly targeting women, she proposed creating a global platform to strengthen digital safety through coordinated international action.

The proposal received positive feedback from participants.

She also suggested sharing Bangladesh’s experience in dealing with climate change impacts with vulnerable countries and noted that sheltering displaced Rohingya people from Myanmar reflects Bangladesh’s humanitarian commitment.

On the sidelines of the forum, she held separate meetings with Japan’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Onishi Yohei and Portugal’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ana Isabel Xavier.

Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, skills development, culture and sports.

She also expressed interest in enhancing collaboration in renewable energy, information and communication technology, labour markets and infrastructure development and exchanged brief views with ministers from Oman, Chad and Switzerland.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Morocco, also accredited to Senegal, Saida Faizunnesa accompanied her at the forum.

The two-day conference was inaugurated by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and brought together heads of state, ministers, senior officials, diplomats and civil society representatives from Africa and other regions.