State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam spoke as the chief guest at the inauguration of a two-day workshop in the capital. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, Sept 6, 2026 (BSS) – State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today called for an inclusive, realistic and measurable second five-year National Action Plan (NAP) to advance Bangladesh’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

“Advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda is not only a global commitment but also a moral imperative and a shared responsibility,” she said.

Shama made the remarks as the chief guest at the inauguration of a two-day workshop titled “Developing Bangladesh’s New-Generation National Action Plan on WPS” at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre here.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UN Women Bangladesh are jointly convening the workshop, which will conclude tomorrow.

The state minister said the foreign ministry remained committed to championing the WPS agenda in close cooperation with all relevant stakeholders.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s pioneering role in advancing UN Security Council Resolution 1325, she reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the WPS agenda.

She also referred to the ongoing review, with support from UN Women, of Bangladesh’s first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, which covered the 2019-2025 period.

Shama recalled the initiatives undertaken by former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia to advance girls’ education and women’s empowerment.

She also highlighted measures taken by the incumbent BNP-led government to promote women’s education, entrepreneurship, employment, safety, and participation in culture and sports.

Speaking as a special guest, Women and Children Affairs Secretary Dr Rowsan Ara Begum said the next-generation NAP should be well designed, adequately financed, and effectively coordinated.

She stressed that the plan should ultimately be owned by the women it is intended to serve.

UN Women Representative in Bangladesh Gitanjali Singh, in her welcome remarks, said Bangladesh had an opportunity to build on its strong WPS foundation.

She called for greater emphasis on implementation, women’s leadership and participation, measurable results, and accountability.

The workshop is bringing together members of the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group and representatives of civil society organisations to contribute to shaping Bangladesh’s next-generation WPS framework.

The initiative aims to develop a framework responsive to evolving national, regional, and global contexts.