Statement of BANGLADESH at UNGA73

“Women’s empowerment and participation have been a major factor in Bangladesh’s outstanding development. We have promoted women’s empowerment through enhancing their education opportunities and facilitating their political and economic emancipation. We have created opportunities for girls to pursue their education free of cost till twelfth grade in public educational institutions. At secondary level, the ratio of girls and boys is 53:47. In early 2009, it was 35:65.”

“Bangladesh is perhaps the world’s only country, where in its National Parliament, the Speaker, the Leader of the House, the Deputy Leader of the House, and the Leader of the Opposition are all women. In the present Parliament, there are 72 elected female members. 33% seats are earmarked for women in local government bodies in order to promote women’s political empowerment at the grassroots.”

“Around 20 million women are employed in agriculture, service and industrial sectors. Women constitute 80% of 4.5 million workers engaged in the largest export ea ing garments sector. Women entrepreneurs are offered collateral free bank loans with 5% service charge. 10% of Small Entrepreneurs’ Fund and 10% of industrial plots are earmarked for women entrepreneurs.”

“The maternal mortality rate has decreased to 170 per 1000 and child mortality rate under the age of five has gone down to 28 per thousand.”

“We are shocked by the continued violation of the rights of the brotherly people of Palestine. This must come to an end. As the Chair of the QIC Council of Foreign Ministers, we shall continue to work with the international community for resolution of the Palestine question.”

“That Bangladesh the world knew as the land plagued by disasters, floods, droughts and hunger has done wonders in maintaining international peace, managing disasters, empowering women and consolidating development gains.”