Thank you, Mr. Chair,
Bangladesh aligns itself with the statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Allow me to share our national position:
Mr. Chair,
Regional disarmament serves as a cornerstone for global peace. It is a critical step towards preventing conflicts, mitigating the devastating consequences of wars, and advancing the principles of the United Nations. Regional disarmament is not a mere policy choice; it is an imperative for the maintenance of international peace and security.
Regional disarmament initiatives play a pivotal role in reducing the threat of conflicts by de-escalating tensions and creating an environment where diplomacy and dialogue can prevail over arms and aggression.
Enhanced regional cooperation, including transparency and confidence-building measures, remains critical for meaningful dialogues. With this conviction, Bangladesh has been strongly advocating for the important role of the regional disarmament in maintaining international peace and security.
Mr. Chair,
It is paramount to acknowledge that regional disarmament initiatives are intertwined with broader international efforts. Regional actors possess a unique understanding of their dynamics, enabling more tailored and sustainable solutions. In our pursuit of regional disarmament and security, we emphasize the significance of peaceful dialogue and diplomacy.
In line with the UN Secretary-General’s policy brief on “A New Agenda for Peace,” it is essential to recognize that trust forms the bedrock of the collective security system. It is imperative that we collaborate to enhance our endeavors in regional initiatives, which can effectively address critical gaps in global peace and security.
Mr. Chair,
We firmly believe that the establishment of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs) serves as a crucial interim measure in advancing regional disarmament. This goal can be achieved through the ratification of relevant protocols by nuclear-armed states, as it contributes significantly to the preservation of global peace, security, and stability.
Bangladesh reiterates its full support for the establishment in the Middle East of a zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction. In this regard, we welcome the convening of the three sessions of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of nuclear weapons. We call upon all States in the region, without exception, to actively participate and negotiate in good faith in realizing the establishment of the Zone.
Bangladesh also attaches high priority to unconditional and legally binding assurances to non-nuclear weapon states against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons by nuclear weapons states.
Mr. Chair,
Bangladesh recognizes the useful role played by the UN Regional Centre for Peace and Development (UNRCPD) in regional disarmament. Bangladesh encourages all three Regional Centers in Africa, Asia and the pacific, and Latin America to engage meaningfully with both the government and non-government stakeholders for promotion of dialogue and confidence-building measures in the respective regions.
In the recent past, UNRCPD has facilitated the process of identifying common elements of interest and concern among countries in our region during negotiations on certain disarmament treaties. We look forward to further expanding our partnership with UNRCPD in fulfilment of, inter alia, the obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1540. Bangladesh remains open to opportunities for further learning from the good practices in other regional countries in preventing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their possible acquisition by terrorists and other unauthorized non-state entities.
Mr. Chair,
Let me conclude by reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing regional disarmament issues, together with our partners from the region and beyond. The challenges may be formidable, but the rewards for our shared future are immeasurable.
I thank you.