Dhaka: Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin today urged all nations to show firm commitment towards the Geneva Convention and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) to make a better world based on respect, dignity, and peace. ‘The path to peace lies in our hands. By strengthening our commitment to the Geneva Conventions and IHL, we can create a future where human rights are respected, dignity is upheld, and peace becomes a lasting reality,’ he stated at an event marking the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) organized the event in the capital under the theme “Preserving our shared Humanity: Making International Humanitarian Law (IHL) a National and International Priority.” The foreign secretary highlighted Bangladesh’s achievements in aligning national frameworks with IHL, emphasizing the shared responsibility of protecting civilians and upholding humane treatment in warfare. He called for the international comm
unity to step up its support and work towards a sustainable solution to the Rohingya Crisis.
Agnès Dhur, Head of Delegation of the ICRC in Bangladesh, underscored the importance of the Geneva Conventions as a beacon of hope for restraining violence in armed conflicts and humanitarian crises. She urged states to reaffirm their commitment to IHL, stressing that without political will, compliance cannot be ensured.
Participants at the event discussed overcoming barriers to IHL implementation, with Professor Nazmuzzaman Bhuiyan of Dhaka University tracing the Conventions’ evolution and Swiss ambassador Reto Renggli emphasizing their continued relevance today. Attendees also visited a photo exhibition highlighting the historical significance of the Geneva Conventions and the ICRC’s work in Bangladesh.