Monthly Archives: May 2015

Commemoration of International Day of UN Peacekeepers in Bangladesh

Hon'ble Prime Minister hands over gift to injured peacekeepersDhaka, 31 May 2015: In commemoration of International Day of UN Peacekeepers, an event was organized by Armed Forces Division, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) on 31 May 2015. The deceased and injured Bangladeshi peacekeepers were honoured in the event. Sheikh Hasina, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh spoke on the occasion as chief guest and handed over the crest and gifts to the family members of deceased peacekeepers and to the injured peacekeepers. The Hon’ble Minister for Foreign Affairs, chiefs of three services, Foreign Secretary, acting chief of Police and senior military officials were in the podium during the ceremony. The UN Resident Coordinator Robert Watkins delivered introductory speech. More than 1,500 participants including Armed Forces, Police and Civil officials,  Ministers, MPs, Academicians, civil society members, UN Country Team and diplomats participated in the event. A Peace Run was also organized in the morning with the participation of armed forces, MoFA and UN officials where Hon’ble Foreign Minister was chief guest and UN Resident Coordinator spoke as special guest. National dailies have published special supplement page. (photo credit: AFD).

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message

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This year’s International Day of UN Peacekeepers falls during the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, offering a chance to honour theinvaluable contribution of the Blue Helmets to the proud history of the Organization.United Nations peacekeeping has given life to the UN Charter’s aim “to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security”.Through years of struggle and sacrifice, the iconic Blue Helmet has earned its place as a symbol of hope to millions of people living in war-ravaged lands.

UN peacekeepingfosters burden sharing that spreads risks and opportunities across countries large and small,and from both the developed and developing worlds.I applaud the more than 107,000 uniformed peacekeepers from 122troop- and police- contributing countries now serving in 16 missions. Continue reading →

Commemoration of International Day of Families

FD02Dhaka, 16 May 2015: In commemoration of the International Day of Families, UNIC Dhaka, Worldwide Family Love Movement (WWFLM), Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) and Dhrubotara Social and Cultural Organization jointly organized a seminar on 16 May 2015 at DAM Auditorium in Dhaka. Mr Md Tariqul Islam, Secretary of Ministry of Social Welfare spoke on the occasion as chief guest while Dr. M. Ehsanur Rahman the Executive Director of Dhaka Ahsania Mission presided over. The special guests were the Joint Secretary of Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Joint Secretary of Ministry of Public Administration and UNIC Officer-in-Charge M. Moniruzzaman. Among others, Ms. Tajkera Khair, the Chairperson of WWFLM and Mr Amia Prapan Chakraborty, the Executive Director of Dhrubotara spoke on the occasion. In their speech, the speakers focused on contemporary issues of family life and the role of family members in building a peaceful society. The UN Secretary-General’s message on the Day was readout. More than 100 persons form diffecrent sectors attended the event.

Launch of ESCAP Economic and Social Survey – 14 April 2015

01The Report of ESCAP Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2015 was formally launched in Dhaka on 14 April 2015 through presentation, open discussion and meet the press. The event was jointly organized by UNIC Dhaka and UNRC Office Bangladesh with the support of UNESCAP, Bangkok. A video message of Dr Shamshad Akhtar, ESCAP Executive Secretary  was screened at the beginning. The resource persons were Dr. Syed Nuruzzaman, Chief of Countries with Special Needs section, ESCAP; Dr. K.A.S. Murshid, Director-General of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) and UNDP Country Director Ms Pauline Temasis, and UNIC officer-in-Charge M Moniruzzaman moderated the session. The senior journalists of print and electronic media took part in question answer session. The event was also attended by economists, governmentt officials, civil society & NGOs representatives, reseahers, youth leaders and academicians.

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Joint Message from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova and  UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2015:

Let Journalism Thrive!

This is the theme of World Press Freedom Day this year.

In 2015, States are accelerating to reach the Millennium Development Goals and shaping a new global sustainable development agenda. Freedom of expression and press freedom are essential to success at every level.

For peace to be lasting and development to be sustainable, human rights must be respected. Everyone must be free to seek, receive and impart knowledge and information on all media, online and offline. Quality journalism enables citizens to make informed decisions about their society’s development. It also works to expose injustice, corruption, and the abuse of power. Continue reading →