Secretary-General Hails Bangladesh’s Forty Years as ‘Dynamic UN Member State’,

 

Commending Thriving Economy, Accomplishments in Disaster Risk Reduction

 

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the event marking the fortieth anniversary of Bangladesh’s membership of the United Nations, in New York today:

I am delighted to join you in celebrating the fortieth anniversary of Bangladesh’s membership in the United Nations.

Allow me to offer a personal recollection.  In 1973, as a Foreign Service officer posted in New Delhi, I was part of the team that was responsible for establishing my country’s diplomatic ties with Bangladesh.  When I visited for the first time, I was deeply humbled by what I saw, because your country reminded me so much of mine at the end of the Korean War.  There were so many shortages I had to tear small strips of paper for my counterpart at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for him to be able to write me a memo!

At the same time, despite the poverty, destruction and human misery there was a burning determination to build a new country.  I have made many visits since.  Each time, I have been struck by the enormous progress that has been made.

Bangladesh has built a thriving economy and made important gains towards the Millennium Development Goals.  The frugality and common purpose I witnessed 40 years ago have been driving forces in this great success.  I particularly commend the work that Bangladesh has accomplished in disaster risk reduction at a time of climate change.  And of course, Bangladesh is one of the top contributors to United Nations peacekeeping.

I am pleased that the dream of “Shonar Bangla” [Golden Bengal] that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had for his country is steadily becoming a reality.  It is a special pleasure to congratulate Bangladesh and its people for their achievements and its efforts as a dynamic United Nations Member State.  The United Nations and I look forward to deepening this relationship in our shared pursuit of peace, development and human rights for all.  Thank you.

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For information media • not an official record