United News of Bangladesh

France and Bangladesh share a common commitment to peace, multilateralism and the rules-based international order, French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet said on Monday, stressing the need for closer cooperation amid growing global instability and unilateralism. He made the remarks while delivering the keynote speech at at a lectures series titled “France and the World: Bangladesh in it” jointly organised by the Center for the Bay of Bengal Studies and Marana Foundation in partnership with the Department of Global Studies and Governance of Independent University, Bangladesh. Highlighting the long-standing historical ties between the two countries, the Ambassador said France has consistently supported Bangladesh on global platforms and considers the country a key partner in advancing peace and international cooperation. “The world is changing very fast and not necessarily for the better. What was true a year ago may not be true today,” he said, describing what he termed the ‘brutalisation’ of the global order marked by unilateralism, disregard for international law and growing conflict. The Ambassador praised Bangladesh’s significant contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, calling the country a vital actor in global peace and security. He said both nations remain firm supporters of the United Nations, multilateralism and international law, which he described as ‘the only viable framework for global stability.’ Referring to France’s foreign policy priorities, Séré-Charlet said Paris declared a feminist diplomacy a decade ago and places strong emphasis on gender equality. He commended the host university for maintaining near gender parity, calling it reflective of shared values. The Ambassador also expressed concern over violations of international law, citing Russia’s actions in Ukraine as a serious challenge to the rules-based order. He also warned about the growing use of hybrid warfare including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. “Disinformation has become a weapon. Democracies must work together to counter fake news and manipulation especially during elections,” he said. He said France is keen to deepen collaboration with Bangladesh in climate action, biodiversity conservation, maritime security and Indo-Pacific cooperation. He also reaffirmed France’s support for the rights of Palestinians and a peaceful solution in the Middle East based on international law.

The Embassy of France has extended its deep appreciation to Bangladesh for its exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. “Bangladesh’s vital contributions reflect our shared dedication to global peace and multilateral cooperation,” said the embassy on Wednesday as the United Nations marks the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on May 29. It is a day to honour the dedication, courage, and sacrifice of both uniformed and civilian personnel who serve in some of the world’s most challenging environments to promote peace and stability. The embassy said France remains strongly committed to United Nations peacekeeping operations. As a permanent member of the Security Council, it said France supports robust and modern peacekeeping missions and contributes significantly to their operational budget. Dr Anisuzzaman for persistent diplomatic engagement with S Korea Since 1948, when the first UN peacekeeping mission was established in the Middle East, more than two million men and women have served under the UN flag in more than 71 UN peace operations, said the UN. Over 100,000 military, police and civilian personnel from 119 countries currently serve in 11 peacekeeping missions where they protect civilians and support peace efforts. This year’s theme, “The Future of Peacekeeping,” reflects the evolving nature of peace operations in a complex and rapidly changing world. The UN is actively working to modernise and adapt missions for the challenges of the future.

French Senator and President of the Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group for South East Asia Jacqueline Deromedi has lauded Bangladesh’s progress saying that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ‘today would be proud of the country he had built’.