While speaking at the Ministerial meeting of the NAM in Kampala, Uganda, Foreign The Secretary referred to the statement of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the NAM Summit in Algiers in 1973 where Bangabandhu emphasized the principles of self-reliance and effective economic cooperation among the non-aligned countries which is still relevant after 50 years.
Foreign Secretary also highlighted the progress achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and mentioned that the people of Bangladesh re-elected her through a free, fair, peaceful, and participatory election, to continue her march towards development and prosperity. He also called for establishing effective mechanisms inside the NAM to help the NAM countries from LDC graduation and also to deal with the aftermath of the graduation.
The Foreign Secretary also attended the meeting of the NAM Ministerial Committee on Palestine and reiterated Bangladesh’s unequivocal support for the legitimate right and just struggle of the Palestinian people for their freedom from Israeli occupation and oppression. He also urged the members of the Movement to use all tools available to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The two-day ministerial meeting on NAM ended on 18 January 2024 after finalizing the outcome document, Kampala Declaration, and declaration on Palestine which are expected to be adopted in the 19th NAM Summit scheduled to be held on 19-20 January 2024.