PM stresses multilateral efforts to protect planet

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday called upon the global leaders to make multilateral efforts in unison to lessen inequity, exterminate poverty and protect the planet.

“The Covid-19 pandemic is a stark reminder that no one is safe until everyone is safe. In order to reduce inequality, eradicate poverty and protect our planet by reducing carbon emissions, we need to work together and reinforce our multilateral efforts,” she said.

A prerecorded video speech of the premier was aired at a high level event in support of multilateralism titled “Call for action to reinforce multilateralism” organised by the government of Spain.

Sheikh Hasina said, “In today’s globalized world, constructive multilateralism is not an option; it is the only way-out for a rules-based international order and common progress of humankind.”

Mentioning the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us that the global prosperity is embedded in collective actions, unity and international cooperation, she said, “History proves that any deviation from this united approach will only bring disastrous effects for the humankind.”

To face crisis caused by the pandemic, the premier said, “We have so far allotted 14.14 Billion US Dollars, which is 4.3% of our GDP, to protect the livelihood of our people”.

Despite the impact of the pandemic, she said that Bangladesh’s GDP registered a 5.24 percent growth due to the government’s timely interventions.

She however opined that unless a multilateral effort is undertaken at the global level, global recovery will not commence and will never be sustainable.

The prime minister however expressed her resentment on the recent trend of protectionism and xenophobia in some countries that may bring further sufferings for the innocent people and adversely put impact on the peaceful multilateral environment.

“So, all of us should guard against this type of activities which are detrimental to international peace, security and global development,” she opined.

Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh is a flag bearer of multilateralism and strongly pursues international peace and security by its high presence in the UN Peacekeeping and peace building process.