Dakar: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has underscored Bangladesh’s renewed journey of democratic transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aimed at building a discrimination-free and prosperous nation anchored in stability, peace, and security. She participated in a high-level panel at the ‘Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa’ on April 20.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the panel was moderated by Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang and featured Yaou Sangar© Bakary, Foreign Minister of Niger, Mohamed Ali Nafti, Foreign Minister of Tunisia, Dr. Morissanda Kouyat©, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea, and Joao Cravinho, EU Special Representative for the Sahel region, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. Shama Obaed expressed gratitude towards Algeria for its cooperation in the hydrocarbons sector.
The Senegalese capital Dakar is hosting the 10th International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa on Monday and Tuesday, an anniversary edition amidst major geopolitical shifts across the continent and competition over resources. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye inaugurated the two-day conference, which brought together heads of state and government, ministers, senior officials, diplomats, and civil society representatives from across Africa and beyond.
Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, global peace, and inclusive development, thanking Senegal for being the first African country to recognize Bangladesh as an independent state and stressing the need to strengthen bilateral ties. Recalling the visit of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to Senegal in March 1981, she noted it elevated relations to new heights.
The State Minister emphasized the BNP-led government’s commitment to strengthening economic, digital, humanitarian, and social protection programs to improve living standards and ensure overall welfare. She highlighted the role of youth in driving positive societal change and referred to Bangladesh’s contributions to UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. She called for collective international action to advance global peace and the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda.
Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her role in expanding women’s education, she emphasized women’s participation in ensuring sustainable peace and stability. Highlighting the risks of digital misinformation and online harassment, particularly targeting women, the state minister proposed establishing a global platform to strengthen digital sovereignty through coordinated international efforts, which drew appreciation from participants.
She proposed sharing Bangladesh’s experience in addressing climate change impacts with vulnerable countries and noted that sheltering forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar reflects the country’s commitment to humanitarian values. Bangladesh Ambassador to Morocco and concurrently accredited envoy to Senegal, Saida Faizunnesa, accompanied the State Minister at the forum.
On the sidelines of the forum on Tuesday, the State Minister met with Morissanda Kouyat©, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, African Integration, and Guineans Abroad of Guinea. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in agriculture, particularly contract farming, as well as in trade and investment through business-to-business exchanges. They also identified mineral resources, garments and textiles, and pharmaceuticals as promising areas for collaboration.