DHAKA, July 16, 2026 (BSS) - United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director Diene Keita has pledged to highlight Bangladesh's demographic resilience and development achievements globally.

The commitment came during a meeting with a Bangladesh delegation led by Adviser to the Prime Minister for Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir at UNFPA Headquarters in New York, according to a press release received here tonight.  

State Minister for Planning Zonayed Saki and Member of the General Economics Division Dr Monzur Hossain also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the UNFPA Director praised Bangladesh's political commitment to demographic resilience, women's empowerment, universal healthcare and an inclusive social security system.

Dr Titumir outlined the government's priorities, including establishing a universal life-cycle-based social security system centred on women, implementing the Family Card initiative, increasing investment in education and healthcare, promoting youth skills and employment, healthy ageing, credible population data and stronger primary healthcare.
 
He also said Bangladesh continues to host more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees despite significant economic, environmental and security pressures. 

He called for greater UNFPA engagement to support the early repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar and to help ensure their safe, dignified and rights-based return with access to sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Highlighting Bangladesh's demographic potential, Dr Titumir said the country's large youth population offers a unique demographic dividend and stressed the need to prepare for longevity dividends as the population ages.

State Minister for Planning Zonayed Saki said the government aims to establish an integrated primary healthcare system that ensures universal access, with particular emphasis on mothers, children and underserved communities.

He also sought closer cooperation in strengthening Bangladesh's national statistical system, aligning UNFPA's next Country Programme with the government's Five-Year Strategic Framework, and documenting Bangladesh's development experience as a global best practice.

Reaffirming UNFPA's commitment to Bangladesh, Executive Director Diene Keita said the organisation would continue supporting the country's efforts on demographic resilience, reproductive health, youth development, healthy ageing, population data and innovative financing.

She said Bangladesh's experience demonstrates how strong political leadership and national ownership can accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and pledged to continue promoting the country's achievements internationally.