PM Sheikh Hasina calls for unity to fight terrorism, extremism

"Terrorism and violent extremism remain major impediments to global peace and development...terrorists do not have any religion and boundary. Terrorism and violent extremism are global challenges. All countries should be united to effectively address these," she said.

The Prime Minister said this while addressing the 70th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) here.

She called upon the comity of nations to build a brighter future for the children and the next generation by demonstrating their foresight, moral courage and political leadership.

"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 utilize our foresight, moral courage and political leadership to build a better life and a brighter future for our children and theirs," she said.

The Prime Minister noted that she herself was a victim of terrorism and violent extremism. "My father, mother, three brothers and other close relatives were brutally assassinated on 15 August 1975. I was subject to terrorist attacks 19 times," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said her government, therefore, maintains a 'zero-tolerance' policy to all forms of terrorism, violent extremism, and radicalization. "We are steadfast in tackling the extremists and anti-liberation forces who continue to remain active in destroying the democratic, progressive and secular ethos of our nation," she said.

Reiterating her government's firm commitment to build a resilient, peaceful and prosperous society, the Prime Minister said sustainable development cannot be achieved in the absence of durable peace and security.

"We are determined to ensure that no one is left behind in our aspiration to build a resilient, peaceful and prosperous society...we believe sustainable development cannot be achieved in the absence of durable peace and security," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said her government is also pledge-bound as ever to uphold peace and 'rule of law' and end a 'culture of impunity'. "In this spirit, we are pursuing the culprits of war crimes, crimes against humanity, rape, and genocide committed during our 1971 Liberation War," she said.

"We also attach utmost importance to preserving religious harmony and tolerance that have nurtured our social fabric through ages," she added.

While talking about climate change, the Prime Minister said it poses a formidable developmental challenge. "We would not be able to sustain our development endeavors if climate change cannot be effectively dealt with," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the new development agenda makes it clear that all our actions need to be underpinned by our strong commitment to protect and preserve our planet, our biodiversity and our climate.

"We have only a small window of opportunity, and we must succeed to set the world on a safer, greener and more prosperous path," she said.

Putting emphasis on strengthening regional cooperation for fostering sustainable development as well achieving peaceful and stable societies, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh has taken lead in building regional cooperation processes such as SAARC, BIMSTEC and BCIM-EC.

"We have also taken initiatives to develop infrastructures to enhance trade and people-to-people contacts among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN)," she said.

Placing emphasis on cooperation among the countries to harness full potential of migration, the Prime Minister said the issue has been recognized as a key enabler of development in the 2030 Development Agenda.

"Today we witness unprecedented migration and human mobility reshaping history and geography...cooperation is essential among our countries to harness full potential of migration. With this objective, we have decided to lead the Global Forum on Migration and Development in 2016," she said.

Stressing the need for scaling-up mobilization of resources, public and private, domestic and international to implement Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Prime Minister said the overall progress made with MDGs has inspired us to adopt a bigger, bolder and ambitious set of SDGs.

Sheikh Hasina said it is essential for developed countries to fulfill their ODA commitment of 0.7 percent of their GNI to developing countries, and 0.2 percent to LDCs. "We also need to address the challenges faced by developing countries in accessing environmentally sound technology.

Without transfer of such technology and capacity-building, she said, she is afraid that many development goals and targets will remain unachieved.

The Prime Minister said her government is continuing to transform Bangladesh into a land where the rule of law and social justice prevail over poverty, inequality, impunity and exclusion.

"I have presented a 'Vision 2021' for a middle-income, knowledge-driven economy in what we call a "Digital Bangladesh". With the steady progress we have made so far, I am confident that we shall soon be able to realize the dream of the Father of the Nation to build a 'Sonar Bangla' (Golden Bengal)," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh is widely recognized today as a role model for the developing world and has experienced one of the fastest poverty reduction rates in the world with a modest resource base.

"We have brought down poverty from 56.7 percent in 1991 to 22.4 percent today. Bangladesh has already met, or is on track to meet MDG 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6," she said.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh has graduated from the UNDP's low human development category to medium, and also the World Bank's lower income country status to lower-middle income.

Sheikh Hasina said her government realizes that investing in human capital targeting the country's large young population would pay rich dividend. "As such, our government has put particular emphasis on education and health for all...we now offer stipends to 13.4 million students from poor families and free education for girls up to higher secondary level.

Pointing out the establishment of Digital Centres across the country, the Prime Minister said the people in rural areas receive over 200 services from over 5,275 Union Digital Centres. "They get access to health care services from over 16,500 IT-connected Community Health Clinics."

Sheikh Hasina mentioned the visible results of women's economic and political empowerment through promoting their greater access to productive resources and representation at national and local levels.

"Likewise, we attach priority to addressing the needs and challenges of the various vulnerable segments of our population. Our lead role in the UN in promoting the rights and well-being of persons affected by autism and other neuro-developmental disabilities emanate from our efforts to build an inclusive society," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh recently settled the maritime and the land boundary demarcation and related issues with its neighbours, India and Myanmar.

"At the stroke of midnight of 31 July 2015, we exchanged 162 enclaves whereby more than 50,000 'stateless' enclave residents have got their much cherished citizenship. This has brought to a peaceful end to the lingering humanitarian situation of the enclave residents. By so doing jointly with India, we have set a unique precedent for the rest of the world," she said.

The Prime Minister said UN peacekeeping and peace building have emerged as its flagship activities and Bangladesh is proud to be associated with these endeavors as a leading troop contributor.

"Our valiant peacekeepers have made their mark in 54 peacekeeping missions in 40 countries so far. We have the distinction of having the highest number of female police in UN peacekeeping missions. Our contribution to UN peace operations has made us a reliable partner in UN's peace initiatives," she said.