Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Masud Bin Momen said the country’s Blue Helmets remain sensitised to taking decisive action to prevent and combat sexual and gender-based violence.
He said this on Tuesday while Addressing the Security Council during an open debate on “Women, Peace and Security: Implementing the Common Agenda”. “We unequivocally condemn allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers, and have demonstrated our resolve to extend necessary cooperation in this regard,” said. Momen mentioned Bangladesh has so far had 1,047 women peacekeepers in various Missions, including 774 police personnel. The Permanent Representative also noted that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government has made it a priority to further mainstream women’s participation in the state’s multi-dimensional efforts to combat terrorism and prevent violent extremism.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made an appeal to mothers to work as sentinels within their families, and has urged female teachers, elected representatives as well as women working at the grassroots to actively contribute to the ‘whole-of-society’ response against violent extremism and radicalization, he said.
“We remain determined to forge ahead with our women’s development and empowerment efforts to defeat the violent extremists and terrorists,” said the Bangladesh envoy.
