New york: Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, in her inaugural address to the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, emphasized Bangladesh's commitment to democracy and development, while advocating for greater international cooperation and fairer global economic practices.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khaleda Zia addressed the 48th session of the General Assembly on October 1, 1993, highlighting the interconnectedness of democracy and development. She stressed that Bangladesh's democratic progress was contingent on its capacity to overcome poverty, and she called for support from developed nations to help nurture democratic ambitions in developing countries. Khaleda Zia pointed out Bangladesh's challenges, such as limited capital and technological backwardness, and underscored the necessity for international cooperation to achieve developmental goals.
Linking Bangladesh's aspirations with human rights, national sovereignty, and the security of small states, Khaleda Zia urged the United Nations to take effective steps to safeguard these principles in the emerging post-Cold War international order. She emphasized the importance of mutual respect between large and small states and called for the global rule of law to protect the security of smaller nations.
Khaleda Zia identified several priority areas, including river-water sharing, the law of the sea, and environmental protection, while urging the universal acceptance of the International Court of Justice's jurisdiction. She advocated for the free flow of technology and information, arguing that restrictions in these areas hindered balanced global development.
A significant portion of her address focused on environmental protection, where she held industrialized countries largely accountable for environmental pollution and argued that they should shoulder the costs of environmental restoration. Khaleda Zia also highlighted the environmental benefits of Bangladesh's jute industry and warned about the threats posed by the expansion of synthetic fibers.
On economic development, Khaleda Zia called for enhanced trade and investment alongside development assistance, asserting that external aid alone was insufficient for self-reliance. She urged developed nations to eliminate discriminatory trade practices and foster stronger North-South trade relations.
Highlighting Bangladesh's domestic efforts, she discussed progress in economic reforms, agriculture, and education, mentioning initiatives like the 'Food for Education' program and efforts to improve literacy and nutrition. She also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, particularly through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Khaleda Zia addressed unresolved issues such as water-sharing with India, particularly the Ganges, stressing the urgency of a permanent agreement for fair water distribution. She also reiterated Bangladesh's policy of peaceful coexistence and cooperation with all countries.
On international conflicts, Khaleda Zia condemned violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina and expressed support for peace efforts in the Middle East and South Africa. She highlighted Bangladesh's contributions to UN peacekeeping missions and urged affluent member states to support the UN financially.
Towards the conclusion of her address, she recalled a speech by her husband, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, at the UN General Assembly in 1980, emphasizing the need for bold action and collaboration for global peace and stability.
The speech gains further significance as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to address the United Nations General Assembly, becoming the third member of his family to do so. His address is expected to cover Bangladesh's democratic transformation, global peace, climate change, and economic cooperation.