UNFPA Pledges Global Support for Bangladesh’s Development and Rohingya Repatriation

UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita has pledged to globally champion Bangladesh’s development initiatives, praising the nation's commitment to demographic resilience, women's empowerment, and universal healthcare.

The commitment was made on July 16 during a meeting at the UNFPA Headquarters in New York with a Bangladeshi delegation led by Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Finance and Planning. State Minister for Planning Zonayed Saki was also in attendance. During the talks, Dr. Titumir outlined the government’s key priorities, which include a women-centric social security system, the Family Card initiative, and investments in education, youth skills, and primary healthcare. He also highlighted the severe economic and environmental strain of hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, urging the UNFPA to actively support their safe, dignified, and early repatriation to Myanmar.

Furthermore, Dr. Titumir emphasized the need to harness Bangladesh’s youthful demographic dividend while preparing for an aging population. State Minister Saki reinforced the government's goal of ensuring inclusive primary healthcare, particularly for mothers, children, and marginalized communities. He also sought UNFPA's assistance in strengthening Bangladesh's national statistical systems and aligning future programs with the government's strategic framework.

In response, Keita reaffirmed the UNFPA’s dedication to supporting Bangladesh in areas such as youth development, reproductive health, and innovative financing. She noted that Bangladesh’s strong political leadership serves as a global model for accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, promising continued international promotion of the country's achievements.