Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Nov 28) urged the world community to hold dialogues in a bid to stop Russia-Ukraine war for the sake of humanity.

She said: "We can understand the plights and miseries as we had to undergo similar experiences and shocks during our War of Liberation in 1971. That's why I call upon world leaders, please stop the Russia-Ukraine war. Any conflict in any country can be resolved through dialogue and political discussion. We don't want any war. We do not want any people to become refugees."

The premier made the plea while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the two-day International Women Peace and Security-WPS Seminar-2022 at Army Multipurpose Complex, Dhaka Cantonment.

Armed Forces Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bangladesh Police have jointly organised the seminar.

In the seminar, Sheikh Hasina said women's position in the society would not be elevated without their empowerment, adding their plights multiply during any conflict and disaster.
 
 "It's beyond question that women are the most vulnerable section of society, especially in third world countries. They suffer violence in various forms, malnutrition, illiteracy and other basic needs. Their plights multiply during any conflict and disaster," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said that since its independence, Bangladesh has been working on promoting women in all spheres of national life.
 
She mentioned that gender parity in Bangladesh's all sectors has improved due to greater participation of women in socio-economic and political activities.
 
To this end, she said that Bangladesh is at the top position in gender equality among South Asian countries.
 
She continued that Bangladesh is a role model for women's participation in peacekeeping, peace-building, disaster management, and preventing violent extremism.
 
The prime minister said that as the current chair of the Women, Peace and Security Chiefs of Defence Network that was launched by Bangladesh, Canada and the United Kingdom in November 2017, all are pledged bound to carry forward the WPS agenda.
 
 "Formulating National Action Plan 2019-2022 on WPS, we have been implementing it. We have decided that implementation of the National Action Plan will continue till 2025," she added.
 
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen also spoke. Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman delivered the welcome address.
 
BDST: 1251 HRS, NOV 28, 2022
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