Bangladesh has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to democracy, global peace, and inclusive development during the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa.

Speaking at a high-level panel moderated by Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh is advancing on a new democratic trajectory aimed at building an equitable and prosperous state.

According to a foreign ministry press release issued Tuesday morning, the State Minister expressed gratitude to Senegal for being the first African nation to recognize Bangladesh’s independence and stressed the importance of further strengthening bilateral ties.

She recalled the historic 1981 visit of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to Senegal, noting that it elevated relations to new heights.

Reaffirming the BNP-led government's priorities, she highlighted efforts to strengthen economic, digital, humanitarian, and social protection programs to improve living standards and ensure overall welfare, while also noting the vital role of youth in driving societal change.

On the global stage, Shama Obaed Islam highlighted Bangladesh's significant contributions to UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts.

She called for collective international action to advance global peace and the "Women, Peace and Security" agenda.

Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her pioneering role in expanding women's education, the State Minister emphasized that women's participation is essential for sustainable peace and stability.

Addressing modern challenges, she pointed out the risks of digital misinformation and online harassment, particularly targeting women.

She proposed the establishment of a global platform to strengthen digital sovereignty through coordinated international efforts, a suggestion that drew appreciation from forum participants.

Furthermore, she offered to share Bangladesh's extensive experience in climate change adaptation with other vulnerable countries and noted that the continued sheltering of forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar remains a testament to the nation's humanitarian values.

On the sidelines of the two-day conference—inaugurated by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye—the State Minister held separate meetings with Japan's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Onishi Yohei and Portugal's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ana Isabel Xavier.

These discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, skills development, culture, and sports.

She also expressed interest in enhancing collaboration in renewable energy, ICT, labor markets, and infrastructure development, while holding brief exchanges with ministers from Oman, Chad, and Switzerland.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Morocco and concurrently accredited envoy to Senegal, Saida Faizunnesa, accompanied the State Minister throughout the forum.