Bangladesh, UN Women vow to deepen cooperation
Published: 20 June 2026, 2:03:47
Bangladesh and UN Women have agreed to strengthen collaboration on women’s empowerment, climate resilience and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
The commitment was made during a meeting between State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women Sima Bahous on the sidelines of UN engagements in New York on Thursday, according to a press release.
During the talks, the state minister called for enhanced cooperation with UN Women to advance women’s economic empowerment, strengthen resilience to climate change, and promote the WPS agenda.
She recalled the introduction of free education for girls by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to empower women, including free education up to postgraduate level and improved reproductive and mental health services.
Ms Bahous praised Bangladesh’s progress in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment, describing the achievements as significant.
She also congratulated Bangladesh on its election to the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and reaffirmed UN Women’s readiness to further deepen cooperation on women’s empowerment and the WPS agenda.
The UN Women chief further commended the notable contributions of Bangladeshi women to peacebuilding initiatives and UN peacekeeping operations worldwide.
On the Rohingya issue, the state minister expressed concern over funding shortages affecting Rohingya women and girls.
She reiterated that the repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar remains the only sustainable solution to the prolonged crisis.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working closely to advance gender equality and strengthen women’s leadership in peacebuilding and sustainable development.
