Bangladesh seeks stronger UN Women support

Bangladesh has sought stronger cooperation from UN Women to better protect and empower women and girls as the country faces growing challenges from global conflicts, economic instability, energy insecurity and supply chain disruptions.
The request was made by Prime Minister’s Adviser for Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir during a meeting with UN Assistant Secretary-General and UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda on Wednesday.
Titumir said Bangladesh continues to host more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees on humanitarian grounds, placing significant economic, environmental and security pressures on the country.
He urged UN Women to play a greater role in supporting the early repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar and to help ensure that women and girls can return safely, enjoy their rights and access sustainable livelihood opportunities, according to an official statement received on Thursday.
The adviser noted that the multidimensional impacts of the ongoing global crises have significantly constrained Bangladesh’s fiscal space, while stricter lending conditions imposed by international financial institutions have limited access to grants and concessional financing.
He underscored the need for expanded UN Women support to strengthen the protection and empowerment of women and girls and reinforce inclusive social protection programmes.
Highlighting the Bangladesh government’s women-centred development agenda under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Titumir outlined key initiatives, including the Family Card issued in the name of the female head of household, free education for girls up to the postgraduate level, expanded reproductive and mental health services and the planned universal life-cycle-based social protection system.
Gumbonzvanda commended Bangladesh’s progress in advancing gender equality and described the Family Card initiative as an innovative women-centred social protection programme.
Recalling her visit to Cox’s Bazar, she praised Bangladesh’s humanitarian commitment and reaffirmed UN Women’s continued partnership in promoting gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, social protection, the Women, Peace and Security agenda and efforts to address the Rohingya crisis.